FIDE has scheduled its 2026 elections for Samarkand, Uzbekistan, running September 20-27, with the General Assembly vote happening September 26-27. The announcement sets clear deadlines for candidates to throw their hats in the ring.
The presidential race will draw the most attention. Candidates for President and Deputy President, who run as a joint ticket, must submit applications by July 26, 2026 at 6 PM CET. This gives potential challengers roughly 18 months to build support and prepare their platforms.
The other contested positions have a later August 26 deadline. Vice President candidates and Zonal President candidates both get until the end of August to file. The staggered timelines reflect different organizational needs, though the exact reasoning remains opaque.
The location choice matters. Samarkand sits in Uzbekistan, a chess-mad nation with deep historical roots in the game. FIDE has favored Central Asia in recent years, signaling both respect for regional chess strength and pragmatic partnerships.
The current FIDE hierarchy under Arkady Dvorkovich will likely face a challenge. Whether serious contenders emerge depends on how many felt sidelined during his tenure. Expect jockeying to begin soon, with regional federations courted and voting blocs assessed before the formal candidacy period opens.