The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is holding elections today in London to select its 40-member council, a process that will determine whether Russia returns to the organisation’s top decision-making body. With 48 countries standing across Categories (a), (b) and (c), the vote has drawn heightened attention due to Russia’s attempt to re-enter the council after being excluded for the 2024–25 term.
The council functions as the IMO’s executive arm and oversees the organisation’s work between assembly sessions. Member states are elected for two-year terms, and Category (a) consists of ten countries with the largest interest in providing shipping services. This category remains unchanged apart from Russia’s challenge, focusing attention on whether states will support its return.
Russia was removed from Category (a) for the 2024–25 cycle following its invasion of Ukraine, marking its first absence in decades. Moscow is seeking to re-establish the long-standing presence it previously held alongside the United States, which is also running again. Russia has been reminded that it is behind on its IMO contributions, while the U.S. candidacy has prompted diplomatic discussion due to President Trump’s critical stance on UN institutions.
In other categories, Argentina is campaigning for a place in Category (b). Category (c) has attracted strong competition, with Belgium, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa and Thailand contesting the 20 available seats aimed at ensuring broad geographic representation. Belgium is pushing particularly hard after narrowly losing its council position in the previous term.
