Ingmar De Vos appears set to serve a second term as president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) after it was announced that he will stand unopposed for re-election.
The Belgian became FEI president in December 2014 after having served as the organisation’s secretary general since 2011. This year’s presidential election takes place at the FEI General Assembly in Manama, Bahrain on November 20.
De Vos (pictured) received an overwhelming majority in the first round of voting in 2014, earning 98 votes out of a possible 131 to see off rival candidates Pierre Durand, Pierre Genecand and John McEwen. De Vos succeeded Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, who had opted not to seek election for a third term in office.
November’s elections will mark the first time since 2002 that there has been an uncontested vote for the FEI presidential role. De Vos is eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms, resulting in a maximum term of 12 years.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to stand for re-election,” De Vos said. “While I would have expected other candidates, I take the fact that I am unopposed as recognition of all the important work that has been done by the FEI over the last four years.
“This could not have been achieved without the wonderful team at FEI headquarters under the leadership of our secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez, and the support of the national federations and our community, for which I am extremely grateful.”
The election of De Vos heralded a new era for the FEI, which had been led by royals since 1954, including spells with Britain's Prince Philip and Princess Anne at the helm, as well as members of the Spanish and Dutch royal families.
