Alex Ritson

Members of the International Olympic Committee have been transported to this remote, scenic destination next to the Ionian Sea in southwest Greece for what's been described as the most important presidential election in recent history.

Members of the International Olympic Committee have been transported to this remote, scenic destination next to the Ionian Sea in southwest Greece for what's been described as the most important presidential election in recent history.

That's John Tibbs, an Olympic PR veteran who's been advising host cities and sporting federations for decades. As he explained, under the outgoing President Thomas Bach, the leadership role has been transformed.

That's John Tibbs, an Olympic PR veteran who's been advising host cities and sporting federations for decades. As he explained, under the outgoing President Thomas Bach, the leadership role has been transformed.

So there are some big shoes to fill. With six men and one woman in the running, guessing a winner dominates conversations throughout this Greek resort. Any clues are scarce. The ultra-secretive election process has been compared with a papal conclave. All that's missing is puffs of white smoke. Under the rules, official contact with IOC members and open debates has been restricted.

So there are some big shoes to fill. With six men and one woman in the running, guessing a winner dominates conversations throughout this Greek resort. Any clues are scarce. The ultra-secretive election process has been compared with a papal conclave. All that's missing is puffs of white smoke. Under the rules, official contact with IOC members and open debates has been restricted.

It annoys a lot of people, like presidential contender Prince Faisal bin Hussein of Jordan.

It annoys a lot of people, like presidential contender Prince Faisal bin Hussein of Jordan.

Prince Faisal is not among those considered favourites in the election. Despite the closed nature of choosing a new president, most people agree there are three front runners, including Britain's two-time Olympic champion and current boss of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe.

Prince Faisal is not among those considered favourites in the election. Despite the closed nature of choosing a new president, most people agree there are three front runners, including Britain's two-time Olympic champion and current boss of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe.

Few will argue against Sebastian Coe's list of achievements, but Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., whose father was president of the IOC between 1980 and 2001, has been inside the organisation for much longer. And then there's Zimbabwe's Olympic swimming champion Kirstie Coventry, who it's said has Thomas Bach support, hoping to become the first female leader of the IOC.

Few will argue against Sebastian Coe's list of achievements, but Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., whose father was president of the IOC between 1980 and 2001, has been inside the organisation for much longer. And then there's Zimbabwe's Olympic swimming champion Kirstie Coventry, who it's said has Thomas Bach support, hoping to become the first female leader of the IOC.

This upmarket holiday destination in Greece is designed for total relaxation. Right now, the air is filled with tension and intrigue.

This upmarket holiday destination in Greece is designed for total relaxation. Right now, the air is filled with tension and intrigue.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Alex Ritson, and at 14 hours GMT on Tuesday 18th March, these are our main stories. More than 400 people are dead, according to Palestinian officials, as Israeli warplanes bring an explosive end to the Gaza ceasefire. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are holding a much-anticipated phone call about a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Alex Ritson, and at 14 hours GMT on Tuesday 18th March, these are our main stories. More than 400 people are dead, according to Palestinian officials, as Israeli warplanes bring an explosive end to the Gaza ceasefire. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are holding a much-anticipated phone call about a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

Also in this podcast, two American astronauts stranded in space for nine months are on their way back to Earth and... Being with the musicians, not knowing how it's going to be night after night, the challenge.

Also in this podcast, two American astronauts stranded in space for nine months are on their way back to Earth and... Being with the musicians, not knowing how it's going to be night after night, the challenge.

Herbie Hancock takes one of the biggest prizes in global music. The Israeli military says it's continuing to strike targets belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad across the Gaza Strip. The statement from the security agency and the Israel Defence Force said that in the past hours they'd hit what were described as terrorist cells, weapons stockpiles and additional military infrastructure.

Herbie Hancock takes one of the biggest prizes in global music. The Israeli military says it's continuing to strike targets belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad across the Gaza Strip. The statement from the security agency and the Israel Defence Force said that in the past hours they'd hit what were described as terrorist cells, weapons stockpiles and additional military infrastructure.