South Ossetians should determine the region’s political future through the principle of self-determination

Authorities in South Ossetia, a Russia-backed breakaway region internationally recognised as part of Georgia, reported that former Russian federal official Marat Kambolov won its presidential election with 85% of the vote and 73% turnout. The reported vote share and turnout come from authorities and Russian state media associated with the Russia-backed separatist administration and should remain attributed rather than treated as independently verified results. The election followed increased defence, foreign-policy and energy integration with Russia. Georgia described these measures and Russian electoral activity in the region as components of its continuing de facto annexation.