Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov received 99.85% of the vote in the regional leadership election held from September 18 to 20, securing overwhelming support for a fifth term. According to data from Russia’s Central Election Commission, 100% of the ballots had been counted.
More than 830,000 votes went to Kadyrov
According to the announced figures, Kadyrov received 830,690 votes. A total of 831,946 voters cast ballots in the election, with turnout reaching 95.19%.
Rivals receive 0.05% each
Two candidates ran against Kadyrov. Ismail Denilkhanov, the head of the Chechen Public Chamber and a candidate nominated by A Just Russia, received 451 votes, while Khalid Nakayev, the candidate of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and a member of the regional parliament, received 437 votes. Both candidates recorded vote shares of 0.05%.
Kadyrov received 99.73% in 2021
Kadyrov received 99.73% of the vote in the previous election, held in 2021. The 99.85% result announced this year exceeds his vote share in the previous election.
Has led Chechnya since 2007
Ramzan Kadyrov has governed Chechnya since 2007. His political rise accelerated after his father, Akhmat Kadyrov, was killed in a bombing in Grozny in 2004, after which Kadyrov took over the administration of the region.
Kadyrov is known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and strongly supports Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Kadyrov says that Chechen forces have participated in the conflict in Ukraine since 2022.
Election process draws international criticism
Election processes in Chechnya have faced criticism from international observers in previous years. Human rights organizations have also accused the Kadyrov administration of rights violations against journalists and various social groups. The Kadyrov administration rejects these accusations.
Official process to conclude on September 25
With all ballots counted in Chechnya, Kadyrov finished the election well ahead of his rivals with 99.85% of the vote. Ella Pamfilova, chairwoman of Russia’s Central Election Commission, said the final results of elections across the country would be announced on September 25 after appeals and applications had been reviewed.
