Kadyrov Re-elected Head of Chechnya with 99.85% of the Vote

Ramzan Kadyrov has won Chechnya's regional leadership election, securing 99.85% of the vote after all ballots were counted. The news agency Interfax reported the result, citing figures from the Central Election Commission's online voting system.

The two remaining candidates each received an identical, symbolic share of the vote — 0.05% apiece. Kadyrov ran on the ticket of United Russia, the party led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His rivals were Ismail Denilkhanov, head of the A Just Russia party, and Khalid Nakayev, representing the Communists — neither of whom mounted any real campaign.

Nearly 20 Years in Power

Kadyrov has led the North Caucasus republic for almost 20 years. In the previous election, held in 2021, he won 99.7% of the vote — meaning this year's result is even higher.

Voting in Chechnya took place alongside Russia's nationwide parliamentary elections, since the republic is a federal subject of Russia. According to preliminary figures released by Russia's Central Election Commission, United Russia is set to win around 355 of the 450 seats in the State Duma following this weekend's vote, said commission chief Ella Pamfilova.

Elections Without Opposition

Chechnya operates under an authoritarian regime in which opposition, independent media and election observers are effectively suppressed. Voting in the republic is traditionally a formality, serving mainly as a show of loyalty to Moscow: authorities routinely report turnout of nearly 100%, while both Kadyrov and United Russia consistently claim over 99% support.

Source: novinky.cz