He is the fourth candidate to announce they will put themselves forward, joining France's Didier Gailhaguet, Britain's Christopher Buchanan and Hungary's György Sallak in what is already a fascinating contest. 

Dijkema is also the ISU vice-president for speed skating.

"I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of ISU President," he said in a message addressed to "skating friends" today.

"The ISU has been my home and passion for many years.

"My love of skating has motivated me to work hard for the ISU family and stakeholders to promote and develop the sport worldwide.

"I am excited for the future of figure skating, short track speed skating and speed skating on all its levels - I hope that I may continue showing my leadership."

He has prioritised three strategic pillars consisting of marketing, promotion and digitalisation, development and good governance in a manifesto desgned to "inspire and innovate".

"I hope to inspire the skating community, helping to innovate and evolve the ISU and Member Federations, while never forgetting the solid foundation that has already been laid," he added.

Gailhaguet is President of the French Ice Sports Federation but his bid is considered highly controversial by many due to him having returned to the sport following a three-year ban for his involvement in a judging scandal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. 

Gailhaguet, most associated with figure skating out of the ISU disciplines, has released a manifesto, entitled Change or Be Changed, based around modernising and reforming the governing body.

It includes revamping ISU events and considering new formats, updating the international calendar and bringing together different disciplines so a festival-style event will work better for broadcasters.

Buchanan has been chairman of the ISU Synchronised Skating Technical Committee since 2010 and is also finance director of the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain.

Away from sport, he has spent over 30 years in the investment banking, commodities and financial services industries for a variety of leading banks and financial institutions.

Sallak is director general of the Hungarian National Skating Federation as well as the ISU development coordinator.

His bid has already been criticised for allegedly using his ISU position to help promote his potential bid to replace Cinquanta, the Italian stepping down as President having held the role since 1994.

Candidates have until April 25 to declare their intentions ahead of elections due to be held at a five-day ISU Congress in Dubrovnik starting on June 6.

Other potential candidates include Patricia St. Peter, President of US Figure Skating from 2009 to 2014.