Spanish Candidate Acknowledges Complex Voting Process as Contest Intensifies
PYLOS, Greece – Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., a leading candidate in the race for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency, has acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the upcoming election, set to take place on Thursday.
Samaranch, currently an IOC vice-president, is among the top contenders, alongside Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe of Britain. They are part of a field of seven candidates vying for the prestigious role, with French cycling chief David Lappartient seen as a potential surprise challenger. Others in the race include International Gymnastics Federation head Morinari Watanabe and Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
With outgoing president Thomas Bach stepping down after 12 years, the new leader will need to secure a majority of votes from approximately 100 IOC members. Samaranch, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, expressed confidence in his campaign but admitted that predicting the outcome remains challenging.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done and how we’ve communicated our vision, but it’s impossible to be certain about the result,” he stated.
The election follows a system of elimination rounds, where the candidate with the fewest votes is removed in each round until one secures an absolute majority. Lappartient has suggested that multiple rounds will likely be required before a winner emerges.
Due to the confidentiality of the voting process, last-minute negotiations could play a decisive role. Samaranch emphasised that he would continue working until the very last moment, adding, “In a secret ballot, it’s easy to misinterpret signals—friendship, a smile, or a kind word doesn’t necessarily translate into a vote.”
The new president will serve an initial eight-year term, with the possibility of re-election for an additional four years, capping the tenure at 12 years.
