Frequently Asked Questions

IOC - The organisation

How is the IOC President elected and what does their role consist of?

The IOC President is elected by secret ballot by the IOC members at the Session. The term of office is eight years, and can be renewed once, for four years.

The IOC Executive Board establishes the rules for the election of the President.

The role of the President is to represent the IOC and to preside over all its activities. The President can also take a decision on behalf of the IOC, when circumstances dictate that the IOC Session or Executive Board cannot do so.

The ninth IOC President Thomas Bach was elected on 10 September 2013 at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires. The next election will take place on 18 to 21 March 2025 at the IOC Session held in Greece.

Learn more:

Olympic Charter, Chapter 2, Rule 20

IOC publishes the Directives Concerning the Election of the IOC President (olympics.com)

Seven candidates announced for IOC presidency (olympics.com)

Reference document: Elections of the Presidents of the International Olympic Committee - candidates and voting results