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President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach speaks during the 134th session of International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 24, 2019. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 83 International Olympic Committee members are eligible to vote for the host city of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, but IOC President Thomas Bach will abstain, the IOC said.
That means either Milan-Cortina in Italy or Stockholm-Are in Sweden need to secure a simple majority 42 votes for the hosting right. Bach can make the casting vote if there is a tie between the two candidates.
Of the 95 IOC members, four gave reasons for their absence from the session, while three others are self-suspended or suspended. They are Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait, Patrick Hickey of Ireland and four-time Olympic medalist sprinter Frank Fredericks.
The two IOC members from Sweden and three from Italy are not eligible to vote.
Voting is scheduled at 4 p.m. and the result is expected at 6 p.m.
