The fight against corruption in South Ossetia was included in the programs of all debate participants.
Murad Valiev called for the development of the economy of South Ossetia and attracting investments during the debates, Marat Kambolov boasted about agreements made with Russian agencies and regions in the field of social policy, while Kazbek Kodoev emphasized the importance of strengthening the control functions of government structures. At the same time, all presidential candidates in South Ossetia highlighted the need to fight corruption.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 23, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia registered four candidates: Marat Kambolov, Zurab Kokoev, Murad Valiev, and Kazbek Kodoev. The presidential candidates in South Ossetia were supposed to discuss social policy during the debates on August 28, but the quality of the broadcast was such that voters could not understand what was being discussed.
On June 23, Alan Gagloev resigned as president of South Ossetia after being appointed an advisor to Vladimir Putin, and the temporary execution of the duties of the head of the republic passed to the Prime Minister Marat Kambolov. The Parliament of South Ossetia on July 1 scheduled a vote for September 18. In July, Vladimir Putin publicly expressed support for Kambolov in the upcoming elections.
Three out of four registered presidential candidates - Murad Valiev, Marat Kambolov, and Kazbek Kodoev - participated in the debates on August 28. All participants noted that the social sphere is in a crisis state, reports IA "Res" today.
Murad Valiev stated that solving social problems is impossible without restarting the economic mechanism of the republic. In his opinion, the root of the evil lies in systemic economic mistakes and a high level of corruption.
"First of all, it is necessary to develop the economy. Without a strong economy, we cannot strengthen the social sphere and improve people's lives," the candidate emphasized.
It is unacceptable that 18 years after the recognition of independence by the Russian Federation, our citizens are still forced to seek treatment outside the republic.
Valiev also criticized the personnel policy of the authorities over the past decades, calling it one of the reasons for the lack of progress.
He specifically addressed the problems of healthcare.
"It is unacceptable that 18 years after the recognition of independence by the Russian Federation, our citizens are still forced to seek treatment outside the republic," Valiev stated.
As priority measures, he named attracting investments and changing legislation to combat unemployment, as well as proposed introducing benefits for families with children.
Marat Kambolov named education as a priority direction of his program, noting that this sphere has suffered significantly due to military conflicts.
He dedicated the main part of his speech to listing specific achievements of his team over the past two months.
"In two months, our team, together with colleagues from the Russian Federation, managed to resolve a number of very complex issues that had long been unresolved in South Ossetia, primarily the issue of the checkpoint 'Nizhny Zaramag'," Kambolov said.
Corruption must be completely eliminated. If there is even the slightest rumor about an official's involvement, an official investigation must be conducted immediately.
He also reported on agreements with the Moscow city government and the government of Tatarstan, which will help the republic in the social sphere and job creation. Kambolov added that two important social decisions have already been implemented: pensions have been indexed (for the first time in four years) and hot meals have been introduced in schools, the funding of which has been taken over by the Russian Ministry of Education.
"Corruption must be completely eliminated. If there is even the slightest rumor about an official's involvement, an official investigation must be conducted immediately," he also emphasized.
Kazbek Kodoev named the demographic crisis as the main threat to the existence of the republic, noting that about 500 people, mostly young, leave South Ossetia every year.
"The aging part of the population is increasing, which negatively affects the ability of social institutions to pay pensions and benefits," he explained.
The candidate also raised the issue of support for veterans and participants of the special operation, proposing to work on their rehabilitation in Russian medical institutions.
In addition, Kodoev drew attention to the internal division in society, which, in his opinion, has persisted for many years.
"Our society is very divided, it is split, this negative trend has been observed for many years. The most important work of the authorities is the consolidation of society," the candidate noted.
He built his program on three principles: personnel renewal, total fight against corruption, and strengthening the control functions of government structures.