Mohammed Ben Sulayem Poised for Unopposed Re-Election as FIA President
The incumbent president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, looks set to secure a second term unopposed as rival candidates struggle to assemble eligible teams ahead of the election scheduled for December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. With his strong backing from the FIA’s Council and apparent lack of competition, Ben Sulayem’s re-election appears increasingly likely.
Why Ben Sulayem Looks Set to Win Unopposed
As the deadline for submitting presidential candidate teams approaches, none of Ben Sulayem’s challengers have managed to meet the eligibility criteria stipulated by the FIA, making it difficult for them to mount a serious campaign against him.
The Nomination Process
Candidates must submit their bids along with a complete presidential list by October 24. This team includes nominees for several key roles, including the president of the Senate and various vice presidencies across different global regions. Currently, the candidate list predominantly favours Ben Sulayem, particularly noting the inclusion of Fabiana Ecclestone, who serves as his current vice president for South America.
With the recent expiration of the candidature application window, it appears that other hopefuls failed to secure a South American representative for their lists, thereby diminishing their chances for a successful campaign.
Limited Rival Candidates
Potential candidates such as Tim Mayer, Laura Villars, and Virginie Philippot have expressed interest but face considerable hurdles in establishing their tickets. Mayer’s recent efforts to garner support across South America were undermined as he failed to gain key endorsements necessary for a rival candidacy.
Strong Regional Support
In recent months, Ben Sulayem has received overwhelming support from numerous automobile clubs in the Americas, including a joint letter from all eleven heads of South American federations endorsing his re-election. This strong backing indicates the steep challenge any competitor like Mayer would face in swaying support away from the incumbent.
Ben Sulayem’s Leadership
Ben Sulayem’s first term has not been without controversy; while acknowledged for improving the FIA’s financial stability post-COVID-19, he has faced criticism from figures like Motorsport UK chief Dave Richards. Concerns have been raised about his governance style, with claims of power consolidation and lack of transparency.
Changes and Challenges
His administration has seen significant upheaval, including high-profile resignations and concerns about the governance of the FIA. Nevertheless, supporters praise his efforts to strengthen the organisation and implement changes designed to enhance operational efficiency.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, it appears that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has managed to solidify his position within the FIA, setting the stage for his likely unopposed re-election.
