Athletes’ Commission Call for Elections for the Americas, Africa and Oceania Representatives - 26 – 30 January 2026 (Online)
Dear Athletes,
The WDSF Athletes’ Commission online elections for the Americas, Africa, and Oceania Representatives will take place from 26 to 30 January 2026, in accordance with the WDSF Presidium Operating Policy for the Athletes’ Commission.
Following the call for candidates and the eligibility review conducted by the Athletes’ Commission, the final lists of candidates for each region have been determined as set out below.
Americas Representative – Final List of Candidates
(Listed in alphabetical order by first name)
- David Getchell – MIN: 10089145
- Michael Murphy – MIN: 10104917
The Americas Representative will be elected by eligible athletes who genuinely reside in the Americas, in accordance with the Operating Policy.
Africa Representative – Election Status
Following the call for candidates, applications were received for the Africa Representative position.
However, none of the candidates met the eligibility requirements set out in the WDSF Presidium Operating Policy for the Athletes’ Commission.
Accordingly, no eligible candidates have been approved, and no election will be conducted for the Africa Representative position during the January 2026 election period.
Oceania Representative – Election Status
No candidatures were received for the Oceania Representative position within the prescribed deadline.
Accordingly, no election will be conducted for the Oceania Representative position during the January 2026 election period.
Appointment of Temporary Representatives
As per Article 8.6.1 of the WDSF Presidium Operating Policy for the Athletes’ Commission:
“Notwithstanding the standard procedures for the composition and election of members to the Athletes’ Commission, in extraordinary circumstances where the Commission finds itself without a member or members, the Presidium is hereby granted the authority to appoint a temporary member or members to the Athletes’ Commission. These appointments shall be made with the utmost consideration for maintaining the diversity and representation as stipulated for the Athlete’s Commission’s composition, ensuring that appointed members meet the criteria for membership.”
Further, as per Article 8.6.2:
“Such appointments shall be strictly temporary and are to be made with the express purpose of ensuring the continuity of the Athletes’ Commission's function and representation of athletes’ interests to the Presidium. Temporary members shall hold their positions only until the next scheduled election for the Commission. Following such an election, all temporary members shall be substituted by the duly elected representatives, thereby reinstating the standard procedure for member selection. Temporary appointees are eligible to stand for election and may continue their role in the Athletes’ Commission.”
In light of the above, where an election cannot be conducted due to the absence of eligible candidates, the WDSF Presidium may appoint temporary members to the Athletes’ Commission to ensure continuity and appropriate regional representation.
Any such appointments shall be strictly temporary and shall remain in effect until the next scheduled election, at which time the positions shall be filled through the standard electoral process.
Voting & Election Process
- Elections will be conducted online between 26 and 30 January 2026.
- Athletes will receive further instructions in due course, including details on the voting procedure and access to the online voting platform.
- Each eligible athlete may cast one (1) vote.
- Proxy voting is not permitted.
- Only athletes who meet the eligibility criteria under the Operating Policy will be able to participate.
Contact & Questions
For any questions regarding the elections, eligibility, or voting procedures, please contact:
[email protected].
We thank all athletes for their engagement and commitment to the representation of athletes within the WDSF.
Official Signatory
Sergey Nifontov
WDSF General Secretary
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