Timur Turlov has been elected President of the International Chess Federation following a dramatic two-round election at the 2026 FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who ran on Turlov’s ticket, becomes FIDE Deputy President.
The election began with three tickets: Wadim Rosenstein and Gordon Tang, Jan Henric Buttner and Malcolm Pein, and Turlov and Anand.
A total of 196 ballots were cast in the first round. Four were declared void, leaving 192 valid votes. Turlov received 96 votes, Rosenstein 76 and Buttner 20.
Turlov’s 96 votes represented exactly 50 percent of the valid ballots, but FIDE’s rules required more than 50 percent for victory. The result forced a runoff between Turlov and Rosenstein, while Buttner was eliminated.
The four spoiled ballots became one of the talking points of the election. FIDE Electoral Commission Chairman Roberto Rivello said some delegates had used unauthorized markings, while another ballot selected both a candidate and abstention. One voter reportedly marked all three candidates.
Before the second round, the Electoral Commission displayed a ballot paper on screen and gave delegates detailed instructions. Rivello told voters that only a cross, check mark or plus sign would be accepted.
Ahead of the runoff, Buttner and Pein endorsed Turlov.
Turlov subsequently won the second round to become the new FIDE President, with Anand elected Deputy President.
Speaking after his victory, Turlov thanked delegates, supporters and members of his campaign team, describing the result as a moment of unity.
“You will always be able to count on me,” he told delegates, promising that every member federation would be treated equally regardless of political preferences.
Turlov also pledged to work for the growth and prosperity of the global chess community.
The election took place after Interim FIDE President Anand opened the General Assembly earlier in the day. Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov addressed delegates and said the presidential election should be conducted according to the principles of transparency, genuine choice and equal voting rights.
FIDE Electoral Commission Chairman Rivello had earlier said the 2026 election generated an “unprecedented number of complaints” concerning voting rights, federation and delegate legitimacy, candidate eligibility and alleged ethics violations. The Commission produced six reports addressing the complaints.
The General Assembly will continue with elections for other FIDE positions, including Vice Presidents. Malcolm Pein has already submitted his candidacy for an elected Vice President position.
