Zurab Azmaiparashvili won re-election as European Chess Union president with 35 of 53 votes cast. His slate also includes Vlad Ardeleanu as deputy president, Ingrid Lauterbach and Lasse Ostebo Lovik as vice presidents, and Theodoros as secretary general.
The Georgian grandmaster secured a clear majority in what appears to have been a competitive election. With 35 votes out of 53, Azmaiparashvili holds a solid mandate to continue leading the ECU, though the vote count suggests meaningful opposition existed on the ballot.
This victory keeps Azmaiparashvili in position to shape European chess policy and federation decisions across the continent. The ECU oversees competitive play, organizational standards, and development programs for member nations. His re-election ensures continuity in leadership as European chess navigates ongoing debates about rapid growth, women's participation, and inclusion across all levels of play.
The election results suggest the federation membership saw enough in Azmaiparashvili's tenure to extend his authority. Whether his new term brings substantive changes or maintains the current direction remains to be seen.