“We will definitely hold a referendum”: the new president of South Ossetia went to Russia

Maximum integration with Russia

“Each president of the Republic of South Ossetia has always understood and said that our vector is maximum integration with the Russian Federation. However, we understand that this is not a one-way process. We remember recently [президент] Anatoly Ilyich Bibilov announced a referendum (on joining the Russian Federation. – “socialbites.ca”)”, – I said Gagloev in an interview with TASS.

According to him, South Ossetia determined its own position. Many referendums have already been held in the country, “the people expressed their opinion.” At the same time, the president declared that if another referendum was needed, the authorities would certainly do so.

“I would like to emphasize once again that this is not a one-sided process. Today, we see that our strategic partner, the Russian Federation, is dealing with geopolitical issues and is conducting a special operation to destroy neo-Nazi formations in Ukraine. We must understand our strategic partner. “As soon as a signal comes, as soon as there is an understanding that the time has come, we will definitely hold this referendum,” he said.

Gagloev also said that according to South Ossetian legislation, the inauguration of the president is appointed after the announcement of the final results. According to him, most likely, this will happen after May 20, because this date coincides with the tragedy of the Dice.

“It is wrong to hold an opening ceremony on a tragic day,” Gagloev said.

He is also confident that the republic under his rule can reach the limits of self-sufficiency.

Later, on the broadcast of the Russia 24 TV channel, Gagloev said that it is necessary to determine by what mechanism the unification with Russia will go.

“We have a strategic ally – Russia – and on such important issues all steps must be taken together. <...> I think South Ossetia was and is ready to join Russia as soon as the time comes. <...> “We are ready to hold a referendum to reach agreement on the steps to be taken with the Russian Federation,” he said.

presidential elections

On May 8, the second round of the presidential elections was held in South Ossetia, it was accepted as valid. Incumbent leader Anatoly Bibilov and leader of the Nykhas political party Alan Gagloev held the highest state post in the country. Voter turnout was 64.75 percent in polling stations, which closed at 20:00 Moscow time.

On May 9, 2022, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia reported that Gagloev was ahead after processing 97% of the protocols on the results of the presidential election held on May 8. It receives 54.2 percent of the votes. According to preliminary data, 43.3% of the electorate voted for his rival, the current president of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov. According to Emilia Gagiyeva, head of the republic’s CEC, more than 23.5 thousand voters took part in the voting. Bibilov admitted his defeat in the elections.

“I believe the elections have been made. I congratulate Alan Gagloev and wish him good luck … I wish Alan Eduardovich Gagloev successful work for the benefit of the people of the Republic of South Ossetia and I really hope that everything will work out for him, ”said Alan Gagloev.

At the same time, the current president noted that a referendum will be held on the accession to Russia, all necessary documents have been collected and submitted to the Central Election Commission.

“There will be a referendum… They (MSK. – socialbites.ca) should evaluate all these, submit them to the Supreme Court and determine the date,” he said.

In his previous speeches, Bibilov said that two referendums could be held in the republic: the first on joining Russia, the second on joining North Ossetia.

A referendum on the entry of the Republic of South Ossetia into the Russian Federation is scheduled for May-June 2022, after the presidential elections, the oath of the elected president and the relevant procedures. There were 26 politicians in the referendum attempt group.

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday sent We congratulate Gagloev on his victory in the elections.

“I hope that your activity at this high post will contribute to the further strengthening of relations between our countries based on the principles of alliance and strategic partnership,” Putin said in a message posted on the Kremlin’s website.

According to the Russian leader, the Russian Federation “will continue to provide all possible support to the friends of South Ossetia in solving urgent problems of socio-economic development and ensuring national security.”