"There will be only one candidate, the incumbent, Mayer said. That's not democracy that's the illusion of democracy. Mayer, and two other would-be candidates cannot stand because presidential nominees are required to submit six prospective vice-presidents, one from each of the FIA's global regions, represented on the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). The Brazilian wife of the former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Fabiana Ecclestone, is the only world council representative for South America and has already declared for Ben Sulayem."
"When elections are decided before ballots are cast, that's not democracy that's theatre, he said. And when member clubs are left with no real choice, they become spectators, not participants. Mayer questioned why there were so few representatives on the WMSC list and why the number of eligible members had dropped from 40 in 2021 to 29 this year. Did member clubs suddenly lose interest in shaping the sport? Were they persuaded, pressured or promised something not to stand?"
Tim Mayer withdrew his candidacy after concluding FIA electoral regulations ensured incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem would run unopposed. Mayer described the situation as an illusion of democracy and criticised a lack of transparency that could threaten the sport's future. The rules require presidential nominees to submit six prospective vice-presidents, one from each FIA region represented on the World Motor Sport Council, a provision that blocked challengers because some regions had only one eligible representative. Fabiana Ecclestone is the sole South American WMSC representative and has declared for Ben Sulayem. Eligible WMSC members fell from 40 in 2021 to 29 this year, raising questions about possible pressure on member clubs.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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