Day: July 20, 2026

Candidates are beginning to emerge to challenge front-runner and Prime Minister Marat Kambolov in the presidential election in South Ossetia.

The opposition party Iry Farn (Grace of Ossetia) has nominated its leader, Khokh Chochiev, as its presidential candidate. He has also secured the backing of Irystony Nog Faltar (New Generation of Ossetia). His nomination documents are due to be submitted to the Central Election Commission in the coming days.

“I am convinced this is the right step. We made this decision after careful consideration. I promise to see it through to the end, without backing down. The rule of law is the main principle. If we live by the law, every other issue can be resolved. I will present the details of my programme at meetings with voters,” Chochiev said.

Kremlin-backed candidate becomes South Ossetia’s sole presidential contender as even opposition endorses him

All of Marat Kambolov’s potential rivals have stepped aside in his favour.

Little is currently known about Chochiev. His official biography has not yet been published. People in Tskhinvali describe him as “a good guy”, while sources told JAMnews that he had worked for several years as a bodyguard to Leonid Tibilov, the third president of South Ossetia.

The sources said they were unable to confirm whether Chochiev still has ties to Tibilov’s family or is backed by people from the former president’s circle, adding only that he “appears to be running independently”.

Chochiev has little political experience. He entered politics only recently, ahead of the 2024 parliamentary election. His party, Iry Sombon, was established specifically for that election, but its young activists failed to win any seats.

The current presidential campaign appears to be another attempt to raise his political profile and gain experience. He is widely seen as having little chance of defeating Marat Kambolov. His support is expected to come mainly from relatives, friends and voters who favour a locally based politician over Kambolov, who arrived from Russia only a few months ago.

Moscow’s new man in Tskhinvali: what Kambolov’s appointment means – views from Tbilisi

Three interpretations of Kambolov’s appointment in Tskhinvali: a new stage of annexation, a Kremlin–Tbilisi agreement, or simply an anti-corruption effort

However, Chochiev is not the only local politician seeking the presidency. Two other politicians from Tskhinvali have also announced their intention to run: Giorgi Kabisov, leader of the Iron (Ossetian) party, and independent MP Oleg Kozayev. Neither has yet been officially registered as a candidate.

The snap presidential election is due to take place in September 2026.

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bodyguard runs for president in South Ossetia

bodyguard runs for president in South Ossetia

According to Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, the European Union is ready to work with Syria’s new authorities on revoking the country’s recognition of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

The EU previously described the first session of Syria’s People’s Assembly as a step forward in the country’s political transition. In a statement, the Council of the European Union said the assembly should contribute to the adoption of a new constitution, the implementation of reforms and the creation of an inclusive political system.

The EU also expressed its readiness to work with the assembly and deepen its partnership with Syria, including to uphold international law and the UN Charter.

Abkhaz diaspora in Turkey calls for recognition of Abkhazia’s independence – or at least Abkhaz passports

A campaign urging the Turkish government to review its policy towards Abkhazia is gaining momentum in Turkey.

“The EU and its Member States stand ready to engage with Syria’s People’s Assembly and work towards common goals, including upholding intl law & the UN Charter, by revoking Assad-era decisions that recognized the violation of Ukrainian and Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry’s post on X read.

Abkhazia and Syria discuss launch of direct sea link

The war in Ukraine has opened up an opportunity for Abkhazia to serve as a transit corridor for sanctions-hit Russia

In 2018, under President Bashar al-Assad, Syria recognised Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (also known as South Ossetia) as independent states. In response, Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Damascus.

Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru are currently the only countries that recognise the independence of Georgia’s occupied regions.