2026 South Ossetian presidential election
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18 September 2026 (first round)
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Early presidential elections will be held in the disputed territory[a] of South Ossetia on 18 September 2026,[1][2] per the 55th article of the constitution that mandates that elections must be held no later than 90 days following the resignation of the president.[3] The election comes following the resignation of President Alan Gagloev, who stepped down on 23 June 2026 to accept an advisor position under Russian president Vladimir Putin.[4]
Background
[edit]The build-up to the 2024 parliamentary election was viewed by observers as preparation work for Presidential runs as the office of President holds most of the political power in South Ossetia.[5] This consisted of both the consolidation and creation of new political parties, in order to gain a national presence before the Presidential election.[5] Radio Free Europe reported that the merger of Dzambolat Tedeev's Patriots of Alania into the People's Party was in preparation for Tedeev to become the party's Presidential nominee.[5] On March 15, 2024, Tedeev criticized the 10-year residency qualification for candidates to hold the office of President stating it makes North Ossetia's feel ostracized from "their native land" and urged for a constitutional amendment to remove the requirement as it prevents him from pursuing the office.[6]
Beginning in 2025 there had been speculation that then incumbent President Alan Gagloev would not complete his term due to mounting corruption scandals, mostly centered around Russian financial aid disappearing into construction companies owned by Gagloev and his Prime Minister Konstantin Dzhussoev's friends and families, let alone stand for re-election.[7][8] Gagloev would sack Dzhussoev and his cabinet on January 21, 2026.[8] Elements within Gagloev's own Nykhaz party began exploring alternative candidates such as Nelli Gogicheva, the editor-in-chief of the state-owned magazine Fidiuæg who initially announced her candidacy before quickly withdrawing it just hours later citing pressure from “destructive forces.”[7]
Electoral system
[edit]The election is held using the two-round system; a candidate would be declared the winner if they received over 50% of the vote in the first round. If no candidate passes the 50% threshold, a run-off will be held.[9]
According to the 48th article of the constitution, a citizen of South Ossetia running for president must be at least 35 years old, must be fluent in the state languages (Ossetian and Russian), and must have also permanently resided in South Ossetia for the last 10 years.[3] Following election, the president serves a five-year term, and the same person may renew their presidency for a second consecutive term.[3]
On 25 May 2026, Russia and South Ossetia signed a treaty on deeper integration, which included a provision that any Russian citizen can hold elected office in South Ossetia, and vice versa. South Ossetia has not updated article 48 to reflect this, regardless, North Ossetian Russian national Marat Kambolov was named the Prime Minister, and later the President, by former President Alan Gagloev, despite not meeting these requirements.[10]
Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Hoh Chochiev (Ira Farn), leader of Ira Farn party[11], former bodyguard of president (2012–17) Leonid Tibilov[12]
- Marat Kambolov, acting president and incumbent prime minister (2026–present)[b][13]
Potential
[edit]- Atsamaz Bibilov, MP and president of United Ossetia.[5]
- Dzhambolat Tedeyev (People's Party), former Russian national wrestling team coach and deputy to the Parliament of North Ossetia[5][b]
Withdrawn
[edit]- Nelli Gogicheva (Nykhas), editor-in-chief of Fidiuæg[7]
Endorsements
[edit]- Political parties
- Irystony Nog Faltar[12]
- Political parties
Notes
[edit]- ↑ All but five UN members recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as part of Georgia under illegal occupation by Russian forces.
- 1 2 Does not meet the 10-year residency requirement to run for President.[10][5]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Власти Южной Осетии объявили дату выборов президента". Caucasian Knot (in Russian). 1 July 2026. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
- ↑ "South Ossetia's de facto presidential election set for September 18". Georgia Today. 1 July 2026. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Конституция (Constitution)" (in Russian). Government of the Republic of South Ossetia. Archived from the original on 19 May 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ Chukharova, Elizaveta (23 June 2026). "South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev resigns". OC Media. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Больше молодых. Кто и с чем идет на югоосетинские выборы?". Radio Free Europe (in Russian). Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Тедеев критикует ценз оседлости для кандидатов на пост главы Южной Осетии". Radio Free Europe (in Russian). Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Failed South Ossetian presidential candidate: did an ally of Alan Gagloev try to take his place?". JAMnews. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- 1 2 "South Ossetia cabinet dismissed amid claims of $39m misappropriation". JAM News. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
- ↑ "South Ossetia to hold second round of presidential elections - report". The Jerusalem Post. 8 May 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
The second round follows the first round of voting held in mid-April, which saw none of the five candidates emerge with at least 50% of the votes.
- 1 2 Chukharova, Elizaveta (16 June 2026). "North Ossetian Marat Kambolov appointed South Ossetian Prime Minister". OC Media.
- ↑ "Партия «Иры Фарн» выдвинула Хоха Чочиева кандидатом в президенты" [Ira Farn party nominates Hoh Chochiev as candidate for president]. ugo-osetia.ru (in Russian). 21 July 2026. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Former bodyguard runs for president in South Ossetia". JAM news. 20 July 2026.
- ↑ "Марат Камболов стал первым кандидатом на пост Президента Республики Южная Осетия" (in Russian). 2 July 2026. Archived from the original on 4 July 2026. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Объединение политических сил позволит обеспечить стабильное развитие РЮО". ugo-osetia.ru (in Russian). 7 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Kremlin-backed candidate becomes South Ossetia's sole presidential contender as even opposition endorses him". JAM news. 8 July 2026.
