The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) selected its 32nd President on October 9, 2026, during the 153rd IPU Assembly held in Arusha, Tanzania. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, won the election, succeeding outgoing President, Dr. Tulia Ackson of Tanzania (who was elected in 2023).
Mr. Dick had a strong support from Africa, particularly Nigeria which led a delegation to support Mr. Milton Dick in his election.
As the political leader of the IPU, the President serves a three-year term, presides over official meetings, and represents the organization globally while maintaining an active seat in their national parliament. The election featured three main candidates:
- Ms. Sahiba Gafarova (Azerbaijan): First female Speaker of the Milli Majlis, scholar, and long-standing MP advocating for gender equality, human rights, and inter-parliamentary collaboration.
- Mr. Milton Dick (Australia): Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives and former Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee, recognized for his focus on parliamentary diplomacy, transparency, and workplace inclusion.
- Mr. Rojo Edwards Silva (Chile): Senator and President of GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Caribbean), (2025–2027), known for leading key IPU resolutions on sustainable economies and global crisis negotiations.
Following his victory, Mr. Dick will collaborate with IPU Secretary General Ms. Anda Filip (elected in April 2026) to lead the organization, continuing a tradition of leadership previously held by parliamentary leaders from nations such as Spain, India, Chile, Italy, Namibia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Mexico, Portugal, the United Republic of Tanzania and now Australia over the past 25 years.
