Marat Kambolov wins presidential election in South Ossetia

Marat Kambolov won the presidential election in South Ossetia on September 18, 2026, securing 85% of the vote. The former Russian federal official rose to leadership in the breakaway region, which Georgia claims as part of its national territory.

Kambolov entered the local political scene in early May and held several roles before the election, including advisor to former president Alan Gagloev, prime minister, and interim president. Political scientists Alla Dzhioeva and Ruslan Totrov told the Caucasian Knot network that the election campaign lacked genuine competition and featured technical candidates.

Georgia considers the vote a violation of its sovereignty. The region has declared independence from Tbilisi since 1992.