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Putin Ally Ramzan Kadyrov Re-Elected Chechnya Leader with Near 100% Vote

Firstpost•21-09-2026, 15:26

•Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, secured a fifth term as Chechnya's leader with 99.85% of the vote.
•The election results were announced by Russia's electoral commission following nationwide elections for parliament, regional legislatures, and governors.
•Kadyrov maintains significant autonomy in Chechnya, a region he governs as a personal fiefdom, in exchange for stability.
•International observers have previously criticized the conduct of elections in Chechnya, but Kadyrov dismisses such criticism.
•Human rights organizations have accused Kadyrov's government of extensive rights violations, allegations he denies.

Ramzan Kadyrov won 99.85% of the vote in the Chechnya election, securing his re-election to a fifth term as leader of the region.

Kadyrov enjoys wide leeway from Russian President Vladimir Putin to run Chechnya as his personal fiefdom in exchange for ensuring regional stability.

Kadyrov has championed a hard line on the conflict in Ukraine, stating that his Chechen forces have been actively fighting there since 2022.