If one of the duo is duly elected on Friday (June 10), then it will continue a 36-year streak of an individual more associated with speed skating leading the ISU.

France's Didier Gailhaguet and Britain's Chris Buchanan are the other contenders in the all-European race to replace longstanding leader Ottavio Cinquanta, but are each thought to be lagging behind at this stage.

Dijkema, the ISU vice-president for speed skating, and ISU development coordinator Sallak, who is most associated with short-track, are considered the two frontrunners at this stage.

Many observers claim to be unsure which one is in the lead.

The Dutchman was the last to enter the race and has run a quiet campaign which does not appear to be generating huge enthusiasm among the skating community.

But, at the same time, he is a respected and longstanding administrator who appears the safest choice, with his promise to run for a two-year term before holding fresh elections in 2018 also thought to be boosting his appeal.

Sallak has received criticism from many due to the manner in which he has presided over the ISU development budget and travel expenses, with some alleging that he has used it in order to campaign for votes.

It was decided by the Congress yesterday to abolish the ISU development coordinator position in favour of a more consensus-based Development Commission, with some interpreting this as a major blow for the Hungarian, who also occupies the paid position of international director within the Hungarian National Skating Federation 

Others claim that these suspicions are unfounded, however, and have warned against underestimating Sallak's legitimacy and support.

Both are thought to have split the speed skating community while having also made inroads into figure skating representatives.

Of the other two candidates, Gailhaguet remains tainted by the three-year ban he served from the sport for his involvement in the judging scandal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

He was the first declare his intentions to bid last year, and has travelled extensively within the ISU member nations in order to solicit support while also running by far the most public campaign.

But he has created ripples by his public criticism of both Sallak's use of development funding and of Dijkema, who he claims has run an "empty" programme and is responsible for commercial shortcomings within speed skating.

This is not the right way of doing things, many have said, while also suggesting that some of Gailhaguet's proposals are politically and financially unviable.

Buchanan, the head of the ISU Synchronised Skating Technical Committee and finance director of the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain, appears to lack sufficient support among the voting federations.

He is, however, thought to be a popular candidate who represents good ideas and has gained particular backing from athletes, judges and other members of the skating community.

The Briton is also standing for a place on the ISU Council as a figure skating representative, if he is unsuccessful for the Presidency, while Dijkema is also standing once again for the speed skating position.

All four have circulated manifestos.

Buchanan's, entitled The Future Vision, is available by clicking here. 

Dijkema's Inspiration & Innovation is available by clicking here. 

Gailhaguet's Change of Be Changed is available via his website here.

Sallak's Commitment to Skating, Dedication to Progress, Loyalty to ISU is available by clicking here. 

Plenty more twists and turns lie ahead over the next 48 hours in an election which is already overly unpredictable by the standards of international sport.

There are 142 eligible votes to be cast, with countries with one combined national skating federation having two votes and those with separate figure and speed skating bodies having one for each.

All the delegates departed for a cruise of the Dalmatian coast following the conclusion of the Congress today, with more lobbying and agreements set to be put into place there.

Another day of technical discussions about the individual skating disciplines is expected tomorrow before the elections for the President as well as vice-president and Council members on Friday.