Extraordinary presidential elections in South Ossetia

In South Ossetia, extraordinary presidential elections will be held on September 18, 2026, appointed after the voluntary resignation of Alan Gagloev. Several candidates are vying for the position of head of the republic, including acting president Marat Kambolov.

Reason for early elections

The presidential elections in 2026 in South Ossetia are extraordinary. They were appointed after the then-current president Alan Gagloev voluntarily resigned due to his transition to the position of advisor to Vladimir Putin. The temporary performance of the duties of the head of state has been entrusted to the chairman of the government of the republic Marat Kambolov ¹.

According to the Constitution of South Ossetia, after the official departure of the current president, elections for the leader of the republic must take place within three months, that is, 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 ².

The Parliament of South Ossetia unanimously appointed the voting for September 18 on July 1, 2026 ³.

Candidates

The acceptance of documents from candidates ended on July 30, 2026. A total of 12 notifications were received by the Central Election Commission, but the final package of documents for nomination was provided by seven candidates ⁴.

According to the Central Election Commission as of August 3, 2026, five candidates have been registered:

Marat Kambolov – acting president. His candidacy is supported by major political forces of the republic – the Communist Party (CPRUO), "Nykhas" and "United Ossetia". ⁵. In mid-July, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would support Marat Kambolov and wished him success in the upcoming elections ⁶.

Khoch Chochiev, a former employee of the State Guard, leader of the "Iry Farn" party (nominated with the support of the "Iristony nog faltar" movement) ⁷.

Zurab Kokoev, chairman of the "Unity" party, nominated as a candidate for the presidency of South Ossetia. Kokoev has led the party since its founding in 2003, held positions as vice-premier and prime minister of the republic, and acted as speaker of parliament. Currently, Kokoev is the plenipotentiary of the government.

Murad Valiev, a current employee of the president's State Guard and a former KGB officer, nominated from the "Patriots of Alania" party.

Kazbek Kodoev, a former KGB officer, nominated by an initiative group of voters, whose representatives have already registered with the Central Election Commission ⁸.

Two candidates – former Ministry of Defense employee Eduard Gabaraev and retired colonel of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Fatima Khugaeva from the "Development Party" – were denied registration of authorized representatives due to document violations ⁹. Gabaraev and Khugaeva could appeal this decision of the election commission in the Supreme Court of South Ossetia, but both unsuccessful candidates stated that they do not plan to contest the refusal ¹⁰.

The "Unity of the People" party, led by former parliament member Vladimir Kelekhsaev, officially withdrew from the election race. The leader of the extra-parliamentary party "Iron", former head of the information and press committee Georgy Kabisov, also refused to participate in the elections.

Main stages of the campaign

The collection of voter signatures in support of candidates will last until August 13, after which the working group of the Central Election Commission will begin their legal verification.

The official list of registered candidates who will appear on the ballot will be announced by the Central Election Commission no later than August 23.

From August 24 to September 16, 2026 – the period of pre-election campaigning. Registered candidates will have access to free and paid airtime on television channels (GTRK "Ir"), as well as to newspaper spaces for publishing their programs.

September 18, 2026 – voting day. Polling stations will be open from 08:00 to 20:00.

Where to vote

For the elections, the opening of 75 polling stations has been approved. 70 stations will operate directly within South Ossetia, reported the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia.

Five stations will open in Russia for citizens of South Ossetia located there. Four of them will be organized in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania – in Vladikavkaz, Alagir, and the village of Kambileevskoe, and one – in Moscow. ¹¹.

In addition, parallel to this, 11 polling stations will be deployed in the republic from September 18 to 20, 2026, for Russian citizens voting in the elections for deputies of the State Duma of Russia of the IX convocation ¹².

Notes

1. The resigned head of South Ossetia Gagloev has been appointed advisor to the President of the Russian Federation // Interfax, 23.06.2026.
2. https://parliamentrso.org/node/3567
3. Early presidential elections in South Ossetia are scheduled for September 18 // Interfax, 01.07.2026.
4. Seven candidates for the presidency of South Ossetia have been determined. Portraits and spoilers // JAMnews, 02.08.2026.
5. The unification of political forces will ensure stable development of the RSO // South Ossetia, 07.07.2026.
6. The President of Russia wished Kambolov success in the presidential elections of South Ossetia // Interfax, 23.07.2026.
7. The "Iry Farn" party nominated Khoch Chochiev as a presidential candidate // South Ossetia, 21.07.2026.
8. The Central Election Commission of South Ossetia made decisions on the registration of representatives of candidates for the presidency // RES, 03.08.2026.
9. Ibid
10. Eduard Gabaraev and Fatima Khugaeva will not appeal the CEC's refusal to register for the presidential elections // Sapa Tskhinval, 04.08.2026
11. Five polling stations will be opened in Russia for voting in the presidential elections of South Ossetia // Interfax, 29.07.2026.
12. Polling stations will be opened in South Ossetia for voting in the State Duma elections of the Russian Federation // RES, 22.07.2026.