The international community should recognize South Ossetia's presidential election

U.S. campaigns, voting, and the people running for office.

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.

Diplomatic, security and political relations between Russia and Georgia, including Russia's support for the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Georgia considers part of its territory under de facto Russian-backed occupation.