NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2026 WPA ELECTIONS - NOW OPEN

The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2026 elections, scheduled to take place at the General Assembly, on the last day of the 26th World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP26), to be held in Stockholm, Sweden from 23 to 26 September 2026. The results of these elections will determine the successors for open positions on the WPA Executive Committee (EC), as well as the 18 Zonal Representatives that will make up the WPA Board for the 2026-2029 triennium.

The upcoming 2026 WPA Elections are poised to further shape the future of psychiatry by electing individuals who are committed to advancing the field and improving mental health services worldwide. The Executive Committee and Zonal Representatives play vital roles in governance, policies, advocacy, research, clinical practices, ethical issues and collaboration within the WPA components. With a shared vision of improving global mental health, these elected representatives will drive progress and strengthen the impact of the organization. The General Assembly in 2026 promises to be a momentous occasion as the global psychiatric community comes together to elect the leaders who will guide the WPA in the future.

Call for Nominations
We are happy to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 WPA Elections, which will take place during the upcoming General Assembly on Saturday, 26 September 2026. At this time, we will vote for the 3 open positions on the WPA Executive Committee (EC) and for the 18 Zonal Representatives. All nominations must be sent by latest 26th of March 2026 to the WPA Secretariat by email: GA@wpanet.org

Please find below more information about the election guidelines and positions open for election:

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee plays a vital role in shaping the direction of the WPA and spearheading its initiatives. The EC is responsible for driving strategic decision-making, promoting collaboration among psychiatric professionals worldwide, and advancing the goals of the organization. The EC works collectively to enhance global mental health awareness and advocates for policies that ensure access to quality mental healthcare for all. The Executive Committee candidates bring diverse expertise and experience that will contribute to the WPA's overall vision.

The Executive Committee positions open for election are listed below:
• President-Elect
• Secretary General
• Secretary for Finances & Fundraising

Zonal Representatives
The Zonal Representatives serve as the voice of their respective regions within the WPA. They play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, representing the unique challenges and perspectives of their geographic areas, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices. Zonal Representatives work closely with their regional counterparts to identify and address mental health needs specific to their regions. They also make up the WPA Board for the new triennium and play a pivotal role in promoting the WPA's initiatives and expanding its global reach.

Nominations are open for all 18 zones (see attachment for details)
• 7 Zonal Representatives are eligible for re-election (they have served only 1 term ending 2026)
• 11 Zonal Representatives are not eligible for re-election (they have served 2 full 3-year terms)

Attachments:
• Nomination form for Executive Committee or Zonal Representatives
• Election Guidelines for Nominees and Candidates, as per Statues & By-Laws (incl. Art 25 and Ad art 25)
• Job Descriptions & criteria for all vacant posts
• List of WPA Zones and Member Societies
• List of Zonal Representatives eligible for elections

Candidates Corner:
All candidates standing for election to the Executive Committee or for a position as Zonal Representative have the opportunity to provide their CV, personal statements and photos (and for EC positions only, a short video) which will be published on the website after member societies nominations.