The Addis Ababa election: A one-vote victory, wider questions for FIDE
The election of Benard Wanjala as President of the African Chess Confederation is under scrutiny following allegations of vote-buying. A delegate claimed he was offered money to influence the outcome, prompting calls for an investigation ahead of the FIDE presidential election.
Why it matters
Integrity concerns in international sports governing bodies can lead to leadership crises and affect the credibility of global organizations like FIDE.
By Beata Stur The Addis Ababa election: A one-vote victory, wider questions for FIDE Source - Instagram Timur Turlov and Bernard Wanjala. The election of the African Chess Confederation (ACC) leadership in Addis Ababa was expected to open a new chapter for African chess. More than a month later, however, allegations concerning the conduct of the vote remain unresolved, raising questions ahead of the forthcoming International Chess Federation (FIDE) presidential election, scheduled for September.
Those allegations deserve neither exaggeration nor dismissal. They deserve answers.
On 27 July 2026, Benard Wanjala of Kenya defeated incumbent ACC President Tshepiso Lopang of Botswana by 25 votes to 24. International Chess Federation (FIDE) subsequently announced Wanjala as the new ACC President. Andre Lewaks of South Africa was elected Vice President – Technical as part of the new leadership.
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