FIA presidential candidate Laura Villars has officially filed a lawsuit against the FIA for alleged violations of democratic norms within the organization. The case, which is being handled in France through a so-called référé procedure, will have its first hearing on November 10. In December, the FIA will elect a new president, but due to a provision in the statutes, only the current leader, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is effectively eligible for the presidency.
The elections are scheduled for December 12, but according to Villars, the process is far from fair. Although multiple candidates have come forward, only Ben Sulayem can actually run for office. According to the FIA statutes, all candidates must assemble a team of seven vice-presidents that collectively represent all world regions. However, for South America, only one person qualifies – Fabiana Ecclestone, a loyal ally of Ben Sulayem.
Villars calls the situation unacceptable and has asked the court to postpone the elections until a ruling has been made on the legality of the procedure. “I have tried twice to start a constructive dialogue with the FIA on essential issues such as internal democracy and transparency of the electoral rules,” Villars stated. “The responses I received were not up to the challenge. I am not acting against the FIA, but for it. Democracy is not a threat to the FIA – it is its strength,” she emphasized.
Support from Tim Mayer
The court in Paris has summoned both parties for a mediation session, which, according to Villars, offers a chance to still achieve fair elections. “I will attend this mediation session with the same attitude I have maintained from the beginning; calmness, openness, and determination,” she continued. “I hope that this ultimately leads to a sincere dialogue in the service of an FIA that is more modern, fairer, and better connected with its members.”
Villars’ action is supported by the FIA Forward campaign of former steward Tim Mayer. The American withdrew his own candidacy in October and spoke of an ‘illusion of democracy’ within the organization. “As we announced in Austin, Texas, we have filed ethical complaints about the elections,” said FIA Forward. “To date, the FIA has not responded to us. This is typical of our experience with this process and also reflects the experiences of Laura’s campaign. We applaud her action as an important step towards more democracy and transparency. We will support her efforts with all our knowledge and experience, in the interest of fair and open elections.”
