MOSCOW, August 11 (RIA Novosti) –The former head of Russia’s Republic of Kalmykia, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, was reelected the president of FIDE (World Chess Federation) on Monday, chess-news.ru reported.
Ilyumzhinov, who has occupied the post since 1995, received 110 votes in favor.
His opponent, former chess world champion Garry Kasparov received 61 votes in favor.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already sent a telegram, congratulating Ilyumzhinov on his reelection. The President expressed hope that Ilyumzhinov’s further activity would promote the popularization of chess all across the globe.
Ilyumzhinov was nominated and supported by the Russian Chess Federation, an official arm of FIDE in Russia, whereas Kasparov began his campaign as a representative of Croatia. For months prior to the election, the two had been trading accusations of financial skullduggery. Kasparov blamed Ilyumzhinov for using FIDE resources to arrange his campaign. His rival in response claimed Kasparov had pledged financial support to some individuals and companies in case of his victory.
