Residents of South Ossetia named the main problems of the republic ahead of the presidential elections.

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The outflow of the population, low salaries, traffic jams at customs, lack of jobs, difficulties in obtaining loans, public transport issues - these problems were listed by the residents of South Ossetia ahead of the presidential elections. They admitted that they had hardly encountered any election campaigning.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", Murat Valiev and Kazbek Kodoev, along with Marat Kambolov and Zurab Kokoev, have been allowed to participate in the presidential elections. The Central Election Commission of South Ossetia announced that a total of 40,000 ballots will be printed. The leader of the "Iry Farn" party, Khoch Chochiev, who was denied registration, called the elections a simulation.

On August 23, residents of South Ossetia surveyed by a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" named the main problems that the new president of the republic needs to solve. The survey is not representative and reflects only the private opinions of those surveyed.

I don't really follow the election campaign, I don't know... Somehow, I no longer trust anyone.

Fatima is 45 years old, she works as a kindergarten teacher in Tskhinval. "It seems to me that the main and primary problem causing the outflow of the population is the lack of jobs. I think the youth mainly leave the republic for this reason. If there were jobs, I think no one would leave. First of all, I expect a salary increase from the next president. Our salaries are low, prices are high, it seems to me that this worries people the most. At least, the people around me. We expect from the future president that the living conditions in our republic will improve, so that the outflow of the population we are currently observing will reverse. If jobs appear here for the youth, they will return. After all, very often graduates study at universities in Russia, come back here, and cannot find work. We really need young specialists. Another important issue is, of course, customs. Although it was said that with the arrival of Kambolov, who visited customs, the situation improved, that there are no more traffic jams... But there are, traffic jams still happen. I don't really follow the election campaign, I don't know... Somehow, I no longer trust anyone. I haven't encountered any campaigning yet, so far it's quiet," she admitted.

23-year-old Karina lives in Dzau, she is unemployed. "Honestly, I would probably name the same problems as everyone else. And I will look like others. This is about salaries, the problem of jobs, environmental issues, agriculture... These are the problems that need to be solved, otherwise there will be a final outflow of the population, it seems to me. Personally, as a resident of a village, I am very concerned about the transport situation. I don't have a car, I can't afford one. By the way, this reminds me of another problem in South Ossetia. It is impossible to get a loan or mortgage here. I don't have a car, and I also have no means to buy one. I would like the transport situation to be resolved somehow. So that the last buses leave Dzau not at five and Tskhinval not at six, but at least at eight or nine in the evening. As for Kambolov, although he is still acting, he has already solved many problems. But I am, as I said, concerned about the issue of work and salaries, I would like this problem to be solved," she said.

I am used to the fact that everything is decided by the Russian authorities.

Regarding the election campaigning, Karina admitted that she does not follow it. "I am used to the fact that everything is decided by the Russian authorities. It is beneficial for them to make Kambolov president. And the fact that someone seems to be elected is just a facade. In reality, people have long had no choice. I don't see any campaigning at all. While walking around Dzau or Tskhinval, I have never encountered posters or people who are campaigning," she added.

32-year-old Marat works as a clerk in Tskhinval. He admitted that he does not expect any changes. "All this courting of the people, like in the past for a girl of noble birth - a temporary phenomenon, strictly until the elections. I also do not follow the election campaign, but I have familiarized myself with the list of candidates. I have not yet encountered any direct campaigning," he briefly stated.

I would also like to know where the entire budget goes, so that it is not pocketed.

25-year-old Lana works as an English teacher and tutor in Tskhinval. "I don't have a ready list of problems that exist in South Ossetia, but the problem that affects everyone and from which people are most tired is crossing customs. It seems to me that this is why the new authorities have prioritized this issue. It makes sense. I would also like to have more leisure places - parks, cafes, various designed spaces. This is not something I personally want, I am more of a homebody, but I know what my surroundings would like. I like that the new president, or rather the acting president, conducts transparent work, everything is explained in detail, every decision and step. In general, I would also like to know where the entire budget goes, so that it is not pocketed. It would be good if all ministers and officials regularly reported on this too," the girl said.

She admitted that she does not follow the election campaign. "What particularly caught my attention was that a woman was supposed to run. Then, when she did not pass, my interest decreased. But compared to other years, I am following the candidates a bit more closely, and I would watch their debates, although I have never done that before. I have not encountered any campaigning at all, I have only seen information that the candidates submitted documents to the CEC - and that's it. Well, except for Kambolov, that's understandable. He shows himself very well. It's even suspicious," Lana admitted.

Kambolov is constantly shown on television, on our channel. And he is also sometimes in the newspaper.

69-year-old pensioner from Tskhinval Taimuraz believes that it is important to deal with alcoholics and drug addicts. "There are constant reports on the internet that someone has been arrested in a state of drug or alcohol intoxication. I believe this issue needs to be addressed closely. Of course, medicine in the republic needs to be improved. Salaries need to be raised, corruption needs to be fought, agriculture and tourism need to be developed. The future president must understand that all this is essential. Kambolov seems to listen to the people, he often meets with ordinary people. Just look at customs, they say it has been expanded and there are no more traffic jams. Kambolov is constantly shown on television, on our channel. And he is also sometimes in the newspaper. This morning I saw him at the market, he came there too. Other candidates are not visible yet, so I know from all who is running. But it seems to me that Kambolov will win. He is experienced," he reported.

Let us remind you that 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 government of the republic, 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 told the "Caucasian Knot".

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