The acceptance of documents for the registration of candidates for the presidency of South Ossetia has been completed.
The Central Election Commission of South Ossetia has completed the acceptance of the full package of documents for the registration of candidates for the early presidential elections scheduled for September 18. A total of five candidates submitted documents, including the acting head of South Ossetia, Marat Kambolov.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 3, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia registered representatives of four candidates for the presidency. The registration was approved for the authorized representatives of Khocha Chochiev, nominated by the "Iry Farn" party, Zurab Kokoiev from the "Unity" party, Murat Valiev from the "Patriots of Alania", and Kazbek Kodoiev from the initiative group of citizens.
After a meeting with Vladimir Putin on June 22, Alan Gagloev was appointed his advisor and announced his resignation as president of South Ossetia. The head of the republic's government, Marat Kambolov, was appointed as the acting president of South Ossetia. The early presidential elections in South Ossetia are scheduled for September 18. During Gagloev's presidency, the degradation of political and social institutions continued in South Ossetia, and the outflow of the population from the republic reached such proportions that a new presidential candidate was sent from outside, analysts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" stated.
As explained to journalists by CEC member Dina Ostaeva, the Central Election Commission now has a legally established ten-day period to review the document packages, check their compliance with the electoral legislation of the republic, and verify the accuracy of the information contained in them, the state information agency "Res" reports today.
"Based on the results of this verification, the CEC will make a decision on the registration of the candidate or on the refusal to register the candidate based on the grounds and conditions provided for by the electoral legislation of South Ossetia," Ostaeva noted.
On the final day of document acceptance, signature lists in support of presidential candidates for the upcoming elections and the first financial reports were submitted to the commission.
The documents were submitted by representatives of the leader of the "Unity" party, Zurab Kokoiev, the candidate from the initiative group, Kazbek Kodoiev, the leader of the "Iry Farn" party, Khocha Chochiev, and the nominee from the Republican political party "Patriots of Alania", Murat Valiev.
As noted by the CEC, according to current legislation, if in standard conditions it is necessary to collect at least 3,500 signatures in support of a candidate, then in early or repeat elections this number is reduced by half. Candidates were required to collect a minimum of 1,750 signatures in their support.
At the same time, a mandatory requirement is the presence of at least 150 signatures from each administrative-territorial unit. Candidates will also have to undergo verification for compliance with the requirements for proficiency in state languages. This stage is also part of the procedure provided for by law, with ten days allocated for completing all necessary procedures.
During this period, the CEC will need to verify the submitted documentation and signature lists, and candidates must undergo the corresponding procedure for verifying proficiency in state languages.
Earlier, the acting president of South Ossetia, Marat Kambolov, submitted documents to the CEC, after which he successfully passed linguistic tests and confirmed his proficiency in the state languages of the republic.
It should be noted that according to the Constitution of South Ossetia, after the official departure of the current president, the next elections for the leader of the republic must take place within three months – no later than September 21, 2026.
"The presidential elections of the Republic of South Ossetia must take place no later than 90 days from the day of the early termination of the powers of the former head of state," states the text of the Constitution of South Ossetia, posted on the website of the republican parliament.