Ian Thompson wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 11:00 am
David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 10:06 am
I stand by my comment that the election result is a disaster for FIDE. I cannot believe that it is in the best interests of FIDE to have Dvorkovich in charge for the next four years.
I agree that having a Russian, who was formerly a close associate of Putin, in charge will create problems for FIDE. What was the better, possible, outcome when the only other candidate reportedly didn't want the job and wasn't capable of doing it either?
Dvorkovich's re-election was indeed inevitable, but there was a better possible outcome nevertheless.
I have said previously that those who felt unable to vote for Baryshpolets should have abstained or spoilt their ballot papers.
The actual result was Dvorkovich 157, Baryshpolets 16, Absentions 5, Spoilt Papers 1
Let us suppose that the result had been Dvorkovich 97, Baryshpolets 16, Absentions 5, Spoilt Papers 61, or better still Dvorkovich 67, Baryshpolets 16, Absentions 5, Spoilt Papers 91.
That would have had two favourable consequences:
1. The Ukrainian chess community and the Ukrainian population would have been reassured that a substantial body of opinion in FIDE was on their side. As it is, they must be feeling utterly betrayed by people who they thought were their friends.
2. The celebrations in the Kremlin would have been more muted. As it is, Putin and his henchmen have practically been dancing in the streets.