On 18 September 2026, in the early illegitimate presidential election held in Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region (the former South Ossetian Autonomous Region), Marat Kambolov secured a convincing victory. His win was widely anticipated, making him the first de facto president of the region whose life and career have had no direct connection to it. Although ethnically Ossetian, Kambolov was born in North Ossetia, and his entire professional career has been closely linked to Russia. His “election,” which more closely resembled an appointment, reflects the Kremlin’s desire to establish more direct control over the Tskhinvali region while reducing the influence of the local political elite, whom Moscow has long accused of weak governance and inefficient use of Russian financial assistance.
History of the “Presidential Elections”
The 2026 vote was the seventh illegitimate presidential election held in the Tskhinvali region since the end of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in 1992.
The first such election took place in 1996, when Ludwig Chibirov won the presidency. Prior to the introduction of the presidential office, the separatist entity was headed by chairpersons of the Supreme Council. Chibirov had served as chairman of the Supreme Council since 1993, before becoming “president.”
In the 2001 election, Chibirov was defeated by businessman Eduard Kokoity, who arrived from Moscow and won the second round. Kokoity remains the only de facto president to have been elected for a second term, receiving 98.1% of the vote in the 2006 election. However, due to a combination of domestic and external factors, he resigned before the end of his term on 10 December 2011.
The 2011 snap election was won by a candidate unacceptable to the Kremlin, triggering a political crisis and leading to a new election in 2012, which was won by Leonid Tibilov. Anatoly Bibilov won the 2017 election, and was defeated in 2022 by Alan Gagloev. Gagloev became the second de facto president after Kokoity to resign prematurely at Moscow’s recommendation, stepping down on 23 June 2026.
The day before his resignation, Gagloev met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Following the meeting, he released a video statement announcing his resignation. On the same day, he was appointed as an adviser to Putin, a position that appears largely ceremonial and likely represents an attempt to provide Gagloev with a “dignified” compensation package in exchange for relinquishing the presidency.
Gagloev’s resignation and Kambolov’s sudden emergence in regional politics created speculation that Russia was preparing for the annexation of the Tskhinvali region. However, Russian politicians and experts have generally dismissed such a scenario as unlikely in the near term. The first official reaction came from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who rejected any connection between the leadership changes and prospects for unification with Russia. Asked whether personnel changes in South Ossetia could be linked to possible accession to the Russian Federation, Peskov responded briefly: “No, they cannot.”
Candidates for the “Presidency”
From the very beginning, it was evident that Marat Kambolov would face no serious competition. He was endorsed by former de facto presidents, as well as all major political groups in the occupied region, including the Communist Party, United Ossetia, and Nykhas.
United Ossetia, backed by former de facto president Anatoly Bibilov, had previously been preparing for a future political confrontation with Gagloev in the 2027 elections. However, Kambolov’s emergence altered both the party’s and Bibilov’s plans. Even Gagloev’s own party, Nykhas, openly endorsed Kambolov.
The unprecedented unanimity across the political spectrum indicated that all political actors clearly understood the Kremlin’s preference regarding the next president. None of Kambolov’s rivals were major political figures supported by influential local political or business clans. As a result, the remaining candidates appeared to serve primarily as participants in a managed process designed to create the appearance of competition and democratic legitimacy, despite an outcome that was widely perceived as predetermined.
The de facto Central Election Commission registered four candidates:
- Marat Kambolov – Acting de facto president, nominated by an initiative group. His candidacy was formally “requested” by employees of the BTK-4 garment factory during his visit on 1 July.
- Kazbek Kodoev – Adviser to the rector of the so-called South Ossetian State University, nominated by an initiative group.
- Zurab Kokoev – Chairman of the Unity Party and former de facto prime minister.
- Murat Valiev – Employee of the so-called State Protection Service, nominated by the Patriots of Alania party.
A fifth candidate, Khokh Chochiev, was denied registration.
Kambolov’s Election Campaign
Kambolov effectively launched his campaign immediately upon entering politics in the Tskhinvali region. His ambitions quickly became apparent and ultimately culminated in his ascent to the presidency.
His political career in the occupied region began on 27 May 2026, when he was appointed as a state adviser to the “President of South Ossetia.” On 16 June, Alan Gagloev appointed him de facto prime minister. Shortly thereafter, Gagloev’s resignation was announced, and Kambolov assumed the duties of acting president until the election.
Support from the Russian Authorities
Kambolov’s close ties to the Kremlin were clearly demonstrated through a series of high-level meetings during the campaign. On 13 July 2026, he met with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Following the meeting, Kambolov said they had discussed a wide range of issues important to the region, including financing, the development of modern youth facilities, road infrastructure development, cooperation with Russian regions, and gasification projects.
The meeting, held during the election campaign, amounted to an open demonstration of Kremlin support. As acting president, Kambolov repeatedly met Russian government officials in both Moscow and Tskhinvali, including Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov, Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, and Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.
He also met several times with Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration and the Kremlin’s chief curator of the occupied territories. Kiriyenko was responsible for overseeing the election process and ensuring the desired outcome. This was not his first such assignment. In 2025, he played a decisive role in securing the election of Badra Gunba as de facto president of occupied Abkhazia. Kiriyenko was personally involved in Kambolov’s campaign, participating alongside him in meetings and public events.
Opening of the Modernised Nizhny Zaramag Checkpoint
One of the most important developments for local residents during the campaign was the reopening of the modernised Nizhny Zaramag checkpoint on 3 August 2026. Located in North Ossetia on the only road connecting Russia with the occupied Tskhinvali region, the checkpoint had long been a major bottleneck. Residents frequently spent hours waiting in queues, and successive de facto authorities had repeatedly promised to address the issue.
The project was accelerated through the involvement of Sergei Kiriyenko and Marat Kambolov, with financial support from Russia. Three additional lanes were added, increasing the total number to eleven and boosting capacity by approximately 20-25%.
On 12 September, while discussing the checkpoint, Kambolov stated that he believed the day would come when the checkpoint would no longer be necessary, as “Ossetia will be united.” Although Russian officials generally avoid discussing the annexation of the Tskhinvali region, and Kambolov himself rarely addresses the issue openly, such remarks suggest that he ultimately envisions the region becoming part of Russia.
Simplified Crossing of the Occupation Line
Another notable pre-election measure was the simplification of movement across the occupation line separating the region from Georgia proper. Beginning in September 2026, the de facto authorities changed the operating schedules of the Odzisi-Mosabruni and Perevi crossing points. The Odzisi-Mosabruni crossing now operates from Thursday to Sunday, while the Perevi crossing functions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 08:00 and 18:00. Procedures for crossing and staying in the occupied region were also simplified for relatives of residents of the Akhalgori and Java districts.
Prior to this move, crossing points were open only during the last ten days of each month, creating significant difficulties for local residents. The changes followed Kambolov’s visits to the occupied Akhalgori and Java districts, and primarily affect the ethnic Georgian population, which regularly crosses the occupation line for family, humanitarian, medical, and administrative reasons.
The measure is expected to substantially improve everyday conditions for local residents.
Personnel Changes
During the campaign, Kambolov initiated several personnel changes, with the newly appointed ministers all being local figures.
- Radion Gabaraev was appointed a Minister of Internal Affairs.
- Oleg Gagloev became Minister of Labour and Social Protection.
- Zaur Chochiev was appointed as Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing.
- Ina Dzutsoeva became Minister of Finance.
Vladimir Fukhaev was appointed Minister of Emergency Situations, becoming the first minister in the occupied region to have fought on Russia’s side in Ukraine and to hold the status of a veteran of the so-called “special military operation.”
More substantial personnel changes, including appointments of officials sent directly from Russia, are expected after Kambolov’s inauguration.
Election Results
A total of 70 polling stations operated during the election, including five located in Russia: four in North Ossetia and one in Moscow.
According to the de facto authorities, 66 observers from 15 countries, including Russia, Belarus, Nicaragua, Armenia, Venezuela, Germany, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mexico, Serbia, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, South Africa, and occupied Abkhazia, monitored the vote.
As per tradition, delegations from the Russian Federation’s State Duma and Federation Council were also present. The State Duma delegation was headed by Kazbek Taisayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots. The Federation Council delegation was led by Viktor Bondarev, Chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security.
There is no comprehensive information available regarding all individuals who observed the so-called “elections.” With Russian support, the occupied region invited private individuals from various countries, through personal connections, for use in propaganda campaigns that sought to create an appearance of international legitimacy for the “elections.” Particularly noteworthy was the visit of Selemani Saidi Jafo, a member of the Tanzanian Parliament. Jafo is affiliated with Tanzania’s ruling party and has served as a parliamentarian since 2010.
As expected, Kambolov secured victory in the first round of the so-called “presidential elections.” His victory had also been forecast by pre-election polling. For the first time in the history of the Tskhinvali region’s “presidential elections,” a public opinion survey was conducted. The poll was carried out by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM). According to the survey, Kambolov enjoyed the highest name recognition among the candidates, at 94%, while 79% of respondents indicated their readiness to vote for him.
A total of 32,869 “voters” participated in the “presidential election,” representing 82.65% of the total registered electorate. Overall, 39,768 “voters” were registered, not only in the Tskhinvali region itself, but also in the Russian Federation.
On 19 September, the de facto Central Election Commission announced the final results:
- Marat Kambolov – 27,922 votes (84.95%)
- Murat Valiev – 1,257 votes (3.82%)
- Kazbek Kodoev – 828 votes (2.52%)
- Zurab Kokoev – 488 votes (1.48%)
- Against all candidates – 1,610 votes (4.90%)
Turnout amounted to 32,869 voters, representing 82.65% of the registered electorate.
Kambolov’s inauguration as the sixth de facto president of the Tskhinvali region is scheduled for 30 September 2026.
Who Is Marat Kambolov?
Marat Kambolov was born in North Ossetia and has spent most of his professional career within the Russian federal administration. Over the years, he has held senior positions in the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry for Nationalities and Federal Relations. He later headed the Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre, one of Russia’s most influential scientific and technological institutions.
He is widely regarded as an experienced public administrator, with extensive expertise in strategic planning, implementation of major federal programmes, interregional relations, investment policy, and the management of large-scale scientific and technological projects.
Russia’s Assessment
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Kambolov on his victory, and the two spoke by telephone on 19 September.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement emphasising that the election results reflected public demand for political stability and closer ties with Russia. The ministry presented the election as evidence of the strengthening state institutions and democratic procedures, and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to deepening its allied and integration-oriented relationship with South Ossetia.
Georgia’s Assessment
On 18 September, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the election, stating that it violated fundamental norms and principles of international law. According to the ministry, the vote cannot legitimise the occupation regime nor alter the internationally recognised status of the Tskhinvali region as an integral part of Georgia. The ministry further stressed that any elections conducted under conditions of Russian military occupation and effective control, while internally displaced persons and refugees remain unable to return safely and with dignity to their homes, are illegal and produce no legal consequences under international law.
Western Reactions
The embassies of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in Georgia, together with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared that they do not recognise the results of the so-called presidential election, and condemned Russia’s actions in the occupied territories. On election day, British and French ambassadors, along with the First Secretary of the German Embassy, visited villages near the occupation line to commemorate the victims of the 2008 Russia-Georgia War.
The European Union’s High Representative also issued a statement condemning Moscow’s actions: “The European Union strongly condemns Moscow’s efforts to install a Russian official as the de facto president of Georgia’s occupied self-proclaimed region of South Ossetia. The European Union does not recognise the constitutional or legal framework, including recent amendments, under which the so-called presidential elections were held on 18 September 2026. The results have no legal validity whatsoever.” The statement underscores the continued policy of non-recognition pursued by the European Union and its member states regarding Russia’s occupation of Georgian territory and the political processes conducted under its control.
General Biographical Information on Marat Kambolov
- Marat Kambolov was born on 2 January 1965 in the village of Khaznidon, Irafsky District, in the North Ossetian ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. He completed his secondary education in that village. According to local residents, his father died when he was still a child.
- In 1988, he graduated from the Agricultural Institute in Vladikavkaz.
- In 1994, he graduated from the Russian Presidential Academy of Public Administration.
- In 1996, he completed his studies at the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation.
- In 1998, he graduated from Moscow State Social University with a degree in Law.
- In 2005, he graduated from the Russian Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation.
- He holds a Candidate of Legal Sciences degree. His dissertation was titled: Administrative and Legal Regulation of Scientific, Technical and Innovation Activities in the Russian Federation.
- In 2007, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the civil service rank of Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation, Third Class.
- He has been awarded the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, IV Class (2014) and III Class (2018), as well as the Order of Friendship (2012).
Professional Career
- Between 1987 and 1990, he worked within the structures of the Communist Party.
- From 1991 to 1994, he served as a Chief Specialist at the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Anti-Monopoly Policy.
- Between 1994 and 1997, he held positions as Head of Division and Head of Department within the Ministry for Nationalities and Federal Relations. From 1997 to 2003, he served as Deputy Director of the Institute of the Peoples of Russia, affiliated with the same ministry.
- Between 2003 and 2004, he was an Adviser to the Minister of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation.
- From 2004 to 2005, he served as Adviser to the Head of the Federal Agency for Science and Innovation.
- On 24 June 2005, he was appointed Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Science and Innovation.
- In August 2010, he was appointed Director of the Department for Investment Development and Federal Property within the Ministry of Education and Science.
- On 12 November 2010, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Education and Science. On 21 March 2013, his office was searched as part of an investigation into a bribery case involving Viktor Kozbanenko, the former rector of the State University of Management. On 2 August 2014, he left the position of Deputy Minister.
- In August 2014, he was appointed First Deputy Director General of the National Research Centre, The Kurchatov Institute (Institute of Atomic Energy). The President and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Kurchatov Institute is Mikhail Kovalchuk. His brother, Yuri Kovalchuk, is a close personal associate of Vladimir Putin, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Russia.
- On 9 September 2021, Kambolov was appointed Director General of the Kurchatov Institute. He remained in this position until January 2025, after which he became the Centre’s First Vice President.
Career in the Tskhinvali region
- On 27 May 2026, he was appointed “State Adviser to the President of South Ossetia” by Alan Gagloev, the de facto President of the occupied Tskhinvali region.
- On 16 June 2026, Kambolov was appointed de facto Prime Minister of the occupied Tskhinvali region.
- On 23 June 2026, Kambolov became the acting de facto president.
- On 18 September 2026, Kambolov won the snap, illegitimate presidential election in the first round and became the de facto president of the occupied Tskhinvali region.