The 69-year-old Englishman, a former international for his country as well as a world champion, will now serve a second two-year term.

Before becoming President of the governing body, he served as an official and administrator for many years after his career as a player.

Bell said that the lack of other nominations for the role was an "endorsement" of what he and his Board members had done in the past two years.

His re-election comes after World Bowls submitted its recognition request file to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) sports department last month.

Acceptance by the IOC would pave the way for potential inclusion at the Olympic Games in future.

Lawn bowls is already an established event at the Commonwealth Games, but the sport's efforts for IOC recognition were previously hindered by a requirement for 75 affiliated countries. 

This has recently been lowered to just 50 nations, however, to give World Bowls the option of applying.

"I am honoured and delighted to have been returned for a second term as President of World Bowls," said Bell.

"When I took office in 2014, my priority was to restore stability and a strong sense of purpose to our sport’s global governing body.

"The new board, our chief executive and our assistant to the chief executive responded with enthusiasm. 

"Together we achieved a high degree of solidarity that has enabled us to formulate and implement a programme of action to advance the well-being of our great sport worldwide."

Bell listed the submission of the files to the IOC as one of the highlights of his first term.

"Of course, we should never overlook the successful running of our annual programme of world events," he added.

"I hope that the positive attitude and actions witnessed over the last two years have demonstrated that World Bowls is determined to fulfil its role as a progressive and effective governing body.

"I thank my fellow directors and the officers of World Bowls for their stalwart efforts. 

"Similarly, I thank the bowling nations and key stakeholders across the world for their support.

"Continued progress can only be maintained with the support of the expertise and experience that exists within our fraternity.

"There is much more work to be done, but at World Bowls we relish the challenge. 

"I look forward to presiding over another two years of determined effort and we will leave no stone unturned to be the effective and progressive governing body the global bowls community can both relate to and respect."