Kasparov loses FIDE race as Uganda votes for rival Kirsan

TROMSO

The votes were counted and the inevitable became official yesterday with Kirsan Ilyumzhinov re-elected as the president of the World Chess Federation governing body, FIDE, at the expense of former world chess champion, Garry Kasparov at the 85th Congress in Tromso, Norway.
Ilyumzhinov, who has occupied the post since 1995, bagged 110 votes while his opponent, Kasparov received 61 votes in an election that was highly politicized, rocked with bribery and corruption according to Kasparov.
“I knew things were going to be tough,” said a disappointed Kasparov, considered the greatest chess player of all time. “There were very many mistakes because the campaign was not about chess but politics. But I am not going to take any legal action because the gap is too big. However I will take a little bit of time off chess since I had something bigger to offer but the delegates chose Kirsan.”

Putin message
Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday evening sent a telegram, congratulating Ilyumzhinov his closest ally on his re-election. The President expressed hope that Ilyumzhinov’s further activity would promote the popularization of chess across the globe.
Ilyumzhinov was nominated and supported by the Russian Chess Federation, an official arm of FIDE in Russia, whereas Kasparov began his campaign as a representative of Croatia. For months prior to the election, the two had been trading accusations of financial skullduggery. Kasparov blamed Ilyumzhinov for using FIDE resources to arrange his campaign. His rival in response claimed Kasparov had pledged financial support to some individuals and companies in case of his victory.
“Everything was free and fair,” said Ilyumzhinov after his re-election. “There were no anomalies like what some people are claiming. I never bought a vote from any country; I believe federations are pleased with my services and chess needs me.”
Ilyumzhinov, who will run the show for another four-year term, is the former governor of Russia’s Buddhist Republic of Kalmykia and an eccentric millionaire who believes he was once abducted by aliens.
Ilyumzhinov’s board members are Georgios Makropoulos (deputy president), Tolentino (general secretary) Aguinaldo Jaime (vice president), Martha Fierro Baquero (vice president) and Adrian Siegel ( Treasurer). Uganda cast their vote for Kirsan despite Kasparov’s two recent back-to back visits in the country and his generous donations towards the game.