Allan Azegele from Kenya, Raj Rajasekar, New Zealand and Diego Varela, Chile have been elected to serve as the new Vice-Chairpersons of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,

The second day of elections at the 44th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission once again highlighted how rapid take up of technological innovation – hastened by the conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic – has made Codex both more agile and more entertaining. Over 600 delegates online were able to watch on the big screen in the Rome studio as 138 nominated representatives cast their votes in Geneva; Election Officer and scrutineers in close attendance.

Chairperson-elect, Steve Wearne and Chairperson Guilherme Da Costa follow the elections live in Geneva from the Rome studio hosting CAC44

On the ballot paper were four candidates for the three positions as Vice-Chairperson. After just one round of voting Azegele, Rajasekar and Varela were elected with 120, 109 and 107 votes respectively. The fourth candidate, Salah Abou-Raya, Egypt received 72 votes.

“It’s a great honour to have an opportunity to serve the Codex family and to be part of the leadership that will take Codex to the next level whilst upholding the scientific principles that underpin Codex standards and the core values of inclusivity and transparency,"  said Allan Azegele who had travelled to Geneva for the elections.

Also on the ground in Geneva was Diego Varela. “It's a huge responsibility, I feel honoured and excited, ready to start work with an amazing team. We have many challenges ahead of us, and we will work together to consider all views and promote dialogue to move Codex forward,” he said.

Raj Rajasekar followed the elections through the night from New Zealand. “I am thrilled with the election result and thankful to Codex Members for their support. I am looking forward to working with a great new team of chair and vice-chairs and sharing my knowledge and experience in Codex and other areas to advance the Codex agenda in the spirit of consensus and collaboration,” he said.

Together with Chairperson-elect Steve Wearne the new officers of the Commission will take up their posts and begin work as this meeting ends.

Read more

Visit the CAC44 election special pages and the CAC44 meeting page.

CAC44 / Steve Wearne, United Kingdom elected as 20th Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

Top photo, left to right: Diego Varela, Allan Azegele and Raj Rajasekar