Kremlin-backed candidate becomes South Ossetia’s sole presidential contender as even opposition endorses him
South Ossetia has its main – and so far only – candidate for the snap presidential election on 18 September 2026. The sole contender is Moscow-backed Prime Minister Marat Kambolov, who is currently serving as acting president. His nomination was put forward by employees of the BTK garment factory before winning the backing of most political parties and public organisations, including the opposition.
Three of the four parties represented in parliament have endorsed Kambolov and agreed to join the initiative group supporting his nomination. They are the opposition United Ossetia party, the former ruling Nykhas party and the Communist Party.
The only parliamentary party yet to declare its support is the People’s Party, which has been controlled since 2022 by Dzambolat Tedeev, a member of North Ossetia’s parliament. Neither Tedeev, who unsuccessfully ran for South Ossetia’s presidency in 2011, nor other People’s Party members have publicly stated their position.
Marat Kambolov’s newly recruited supporters gathered at the local drama theatre for a meeting of the initiative group backing his candidacy. Representatives of the main political parties, labour collectives, youth organisations and sports groups unanimously declared that Kambolov was the only viable candidate for the presidency. Several former presidents also spoke in support of his bid.
In this case, describing Kambolov as the only candidate is more than political rhetoric – it is simply a reflection of reality. At present, no other candidates have entered the race. Every potential challenger, including Atsamaz Bibilov, leader of United Ossetia, has stepped aside in favour of Moscow’s preferred candidate.
Analysts say little-known figures with limited public support may still enter the race as nominal candidates, giving voters at least the appearance of a choice. But none is expected to pose a serious challenge to Kambolov.
No South Ossetian politician has officially announced plans to run for president. The only speculation so far has come from social media, where reports have circulated claiming that Giorgi Kabisov, leader of the extra-parliamentary Iron (“Ossetian”) party, intends to enter the race.
Kabisov previously served as chairman of the state’s information and communications committee, but was later convicted on corruption charges and served a prison sentence. After his release, he founded the Iron party and has sought to re-establish himself in South Ossetia’s political life.
Another name occasionally mentioned on South Ossetian social media is Khokh Chochiev, leader of the extra-parliamentary Iry Farn (“Prosperity of Ossetia”) party and a former bodyguard to ex-president Leonid Tibilov.
“The striking thing is that both parties were created as technical projects for the 2024 election. They have only a nominal presence, have yet to establish themselves and lack any serious political agenda,” analysts say.
They argue that such candidates could attract a small share of voters who view Kambolov as an outsider, but are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on the outcome of the election.
Others believe Giorgi Kabisov and Khokh Chochiev will enter the race simply to create the appearance of electoral competition.
Meanwhile, South Ossetia’s Central Election Commission has published the list of political parties eligible to nominate presidential candidates. The list includes 13 parties, and candidate registration will remain open until the end of July.
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South Ossetian presidential candidate
