South Ossetian presidential candidate’s registration problem unsolved despite the street protests

Photo: Grigori Abaev

Tskhinval seems calm and peaceful on Monday, March 20. And that’s surprising, especially after the street confrontation on Saturday and partially on Sunday.

The only reminder is a televised address of Alan Tekhov, the Head of SO President’s Administration, on air of the ‘Ir’ TV and Radio Company.

“The Supreme Court of South Ossetia is not going to hold a new session in connection with a claim filed by ex-President, Eduard Kokoity. The Court ruling is not subject to revision,” said Tekhov. 

Tekhov’s statement sounds like the final response to Eduard Kokoity and his numerous adherents.

On March 14, SO Supreme Court upheld the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) decision on turning down Eduard Kokoity’s application for his registration as a presidential candidate on the grounds that he failed to meet the residency qualification requirements. Kokoity flatly denied CEC’s arguments. He and his supporters now demand not only his registration as the presidential candidate, but also dismissal of the KGB and MoI chiefs for document forgery.

Find more details on political wrangling in South Ossetia in JAMnews’ analytical material

The CEC’s rejection led to continuous protest rallies in Tskhinval. Eduard Kokoity is now positioning himself as the opposition’s factual leader. Last weekend he, together with a large group of his supporters (300-500 people), rallied outside the government building in Tskhinval. The main demand was the same – to annul the CEC decision and Supreme Court’s ruling and register Kokoity as the candidate for president of South Ossetia.

On Saturday, March 18, the protesters paralyzed the entire city. Police managed to unblock the entrances to the government building only late on that day.

According to Alan Tekhov, the Head of the SO President’s Administration, the government officials would continue a dialogue with Eduard Kokoity’s supporters. ‘Leonid Tibilov is always ready for a dialogue. We are open and ready to discuss the issues, except for those, that contradict our legislation…I would like to once again call on the population to observe the law and maintain one’s composure,” said Tekhov.

As for SO President, Leonid Tibilov, he is now visiting Moscow, where he is expected to meet with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on March 21.

Anatoly Pliev, SO National Security Council Secretary, confirmed to the Ekho Kavkaza (Echo of the Caucasus) online media platform: possible meeting between Eduard Kokoity and Leonid Tibilov has been negotiated for several days already.

“I would like to state that negotiations have been already held. Talks were underway even on the first evening (of protests). Kokoity’s representatives, as well as the People’s Party members, were here. The conversation with the president took place. Certain issues were discussed. It is assumed that the meeting will be held in future…”

I think, there is no need to tense the situation. This tension is hardly beneficial to anyone, including to Eduard Kokoity. Things should be solved within the legal framework… Excessive emotions and drawing people into political adventures are unlikely to help solve the problem.”

The opinions expressed in the article convey the author’s terminology and views and do not necessarily reflect the position of the editorial staff