Post
by shaunpress » Wed Jul 04, 2018 5:09 am
Coming from a Federation (PNG) that can be considered a 'rotten borough', reforming the voting system has always been a topic of interest for me. But before I make some suggestions it is not clear exactly what problem is being fixed. Is it simply the 'wrong' side winning elections? or is it regular chess players being denied a voice? or does it result in an inflexible management structure for FIDE? (All observations I have either heard or made myself). If it is all of these, plus others, which problems need fixing the most.
Each of the proposed solutions I have seen so far might address one issue but not all of them. Just to pick one out of the hat, Votes based on number of GM's would almost certainly result in a GM focused FIDE (and even national associations), as they could legitimately claim to 'own' the votes being cast by their Federations. And while this may not be a bad thing for those at the top, it still excludes the rest of the playing community from having a say.
My suggestion is to actually leave the voting system the way it is (One Federation, one vote), but to change what is actually being voted for. As most (all) of the power in FIDE resides with the Presidential Board I would propose changing that body. Apart from the elected ticket, I would abolish appointed VP's, and have the GA elect the remaining members on a proportional basis. The current PB has 22 voting members (including Continental Presidents and World Champions). If instead this was changed to 6 executive members, 2 world champions and 14 elected positions, there might be more robust debate concerning how world chess is to be managed. (or it just turns into a factional fight at every meeting!)
The 14 positions would be voted on every 4 years in such a way that one side or other could not claim all the seats (The Australian Senate voting system is one example of how this could be done).
As an aside, I also think the FIDE Membership rules should be changed to allow non-voting associate members who have the right to participate in FIDE events under their own flag (Gibraltar and New Caledonia are two places that spring to mind). I have suggested this to a few people in FIDE but it hasn't gained traction as yet.