Papua New Guinea Delegate Shaun Press was elected Zone 3.6 President in a Zoom vote conducted Sunday, 15th January 2023. Press won with 5 votes against 2 votes for IA Jamie Kenmure of Australia.
Delegates expressed their profuse thanks to outgoing Zone President Paul Spiller of New Zealand for his exemplary work for the past two terms. Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo took the opportunity to announce a special award for Paul Spiller at the coming Asian Chess Summit 26 February – 3 March in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Zoom meeting was conducted by Paul Spiller and Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo. Exercising their voting rights were Australian Delegate Kevin James Bonham, Fiji Vice President Taione Sikivou, Guam President Almer Santos, Nauru President and Delegate Richie Halstead, New Zealand President Nigel Metge, Palau President and Delegate Eric Whipps and Papua New Guinea Delegate Shaun Press.
Before the vote, both candidates addressed the meeting and spoke about their future plans for the Zone.
The election was repeated in coordination with the FIDE Electoral Commission after a 3-3 tie at the FIDE Congress in Chennai, India. Asian Chess Federation Executive Board approved the proposal of Zone President Paul Spiller to conduct the vote by Zoom on 15th January in order to give time to the incoming Zone President to prepare the Zonal Championship and other programs.
Solomon Islands President Anthony Maelasi was unable to participate even after the voting was delayed half an hour. ACF Zoom Operator Michael Pagaran managed the online platform and conducted the vote by secret ballot in accordance with FIDE regulations. ACF Vice President Gary Wastell, Australian Chess Federation president, joined as an observer.
Shaun Press has been serving the Oceania Chess Confederation since 2008 He is currently FIDE Qualification Commission Secretary and Asian Chess Federation Media Commission Chairman. He brings to the job years of experience as follows:
2008 – 2014 Councillor Rules Commission
2018 – 2022 Member Rules Commission
2010 – 2014 Councillor Swiss Pairings Commission (SPP)
2012-2014 Secretary Central Board of Commissions
2008- Treasurer, Oceania Chess Confederation
2010, 2012, 2022 Member – Technical Administration Panel
2020,2021 Pool Arbiter FIDE Online Olympiad
International Arbiter – Level B (Member of Blue Panel)
FIDE Master
FIDE Trainer
Oceania Representative 2019 World Cup
PNG Olympiad Representative 2000-2012, 2018
PNG Team Captain 2016