7 candidates compete for the position during the 144th session of the Committee in Greece; Voting can have up to six rounds
The (International Olympic Committee) will elect this Thursday (20.mar.2025) its 10th President during the 144th Session of the Committee, in Costa Navarino, Greece. Voting starts at 9:15 am (Brasília time) and must follow until a candidate gets absolute majority.
Seven names compete for the position: Feisal Al Hussein (Jordan), David Lapportient (France), Johan Eliasch (Sweden), Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain), Sebastian Coe (United Kingdom), Morinari Watanabe (Japan) and Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe), only woman in the election.
Electoral Process and Undefined
The election follows the model adopted since 1925. If no candidate reaches the absolute majority, the least voted is eliminated every round. The process can extend up to 6 rounds. If there is a tie between the finalists, the current president, Thomas Bach, will have Minerva’s vote.
Of the 109 members of the International Olympic Committee, only those who do not belong to the same country as candidates vote while they are in the dispute. This should reduce the number of voters in the first round.
Boxing in Los Angeles 2028
COI members will also vote for boxing permanence at the 2028 Olympic Games. The sport was not guaranteed due to corruption scandals involving the IBA (International Boxing Association). The IOC recommended that the sport follows the Olympic program under the supervision of World Boxing. Voting will be just a formality.
Mandate and age limit
The new president takes over June 24 for an 8 -year term, renewable for another 4. All previous presidents who sought reelection were reappointed.
Sebastian Coe, who will turn 74 in 2030, could not meet the full period, as the limit for office is 70 years, with the possibility of extension to 74. Other candidates, such as Samaranch Jr. (65), Watanabe (65) and Eliasch (62), could only exercise a unique mandate under current rules.
