Ramzan Kadyrov Re-Elected Chechen Leader With 99.85% of Vote

Ramzan Kadyrov has been re-elected as head of the Chechen Republic after receiving 99.85% of the vote, according to Russia’s Central Election Commission. The result gives Kadyrov a fifth term leading the predominantly Muslim Russian republic. The election was held alongside Russia’s parliamentary and regional elections, with voting concluding on Sunday.

Kadyrov’s two opponents recorded just 0.05% each. Ismail Denilkhanov, who was backed by the A Just Russia party, and Communist Party candidate Khalid Nakaev were the only other candidates on the ballot.

Kadyrov’s latest result is slightly higher than the 99.73% he officially received in the 2021 election. He previously won 97.94% in 2016. Kadyrov has led Chechnya since 2007 and is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has consistently expressed support for Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine and has said Chechen forces have participated in the conflict.

The election took place in a tightly controlled political environment. Reuters reported that anti-war candidates had been excluded from Russia’s wider elections, while international observers and rights organisations have previously criticised the conduct of elections in Chechnya.

Kadyrov and his administration have rejected criticism of the political process and allegations of rights abuses. The latest official result nevertheless gives Kadyrov another five-year mandate and extends his tenure as Chechnya’s regional leader.