Andrey Filatov (photo by Russian Chess Federation)
The FIDE leadership elections will take place this August in Tromso, Norway during the World Chess Olympiad.
The FIDE President will be elected on 11 August, while the Vice Presidents will be elected on 12 August, with 180 delegates from national chess federations and FIDE members taking part in the voting process.
Andrey Filatov, President of the Russian Chess Federation, will run for Vice President as an independent candidate.
This will be the first time a Russian candidate has made a bid for Vice President since the democratic voting procedure was introduced.
Andey Filatov said “We have set ourselves the task of reviving the chess movement in Russia and actively promoting chess around the world, strengthening links with the national federations of other countries to jointly promote new projects. I hope the delegates of the FIDE Assembly will support our programme.”
“For many years Russia, which gave the world a host of brilliant champions, was famous for its school of chess and its chess traditions. Today all the prerequisites are in place for the revival of chess – not only in Russia, but around the world.”
“The Russian Chess Federation has come forward with a number of initiatives aimed at popularising the game and attracting masses of amateurs. We plan to actively promote the ‘Chess in Museums’ and ‘Chess in Schools’ programmes, open new Grand Master schools and chess clubs, and support the organising of high-profile chess tournaments. We are ready to share our experience with colleagues from other chess federations. Chess contributes to the all-round personal development of people and there must be demand for it in the modern world.”
“The language of chess is universal and is understood on all the continents. It contributes to fostering stronger relations between nations and can teach tolerance, fair play and respect for one’s opponent. Chess is an important part of the world’s culture. I have no doubt that together we can achieve outstanding success in developing the game and even in creating so-called ‘chess diplomacy’, which would promote mutual understanding among people and countries.”
Background
In May 2014, the Russian Chess Federation selected its President, Andrey Filatov, as a candidate for the post of Vice President of the International Chess Federation. The decision was unanimously approved by the Russian Chess Federation’s Supervisory Board. The Congress of the General Assembly, the supreme legislative and executive body of the FIDE, will elect Vice Presidents immediately after the election of the President.
This would be the first time that a Russian candidate has been elected rather than appointed. According to FIDE rules, a Vice President may also be appointed by the elected head of the organisation, or be elected as a part of the President’s team. Andrey Filatov has been nominated as an independent candidate in a democratic election. The Congress delegates will consider his candidacy and take a vote.
He’s good for chess.