Interview with Chechen election commission chairman Abdul-Kerim Arsakhanov

The interview with Chechen election commission chairman Abdul-Kerim Arsakhanov was conducted via phone by Roman Rostov, a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

- Dear Abdul Kerim, the election campaign has come to its end, who has remained in the list of contenders for the Chechen presidency?

- In principle, there has been no change for the last few days. For today the list consists of seven contenders. They are H. Biybulatov, A. Bugayev, Sh. Burayev, A. Kadyrov, N. Payzulayev, K. Saduyev, and O. Khanchukayev.

- Has there been any decision on Malik Saidulayev, who left the presidential race no so long ago?

- The Supreme Court of Russia upheld the decision of the Chechen Supreme Court, thus his name will not be in the voting papers tomorrow. However the eighth item was in the lists till the last moment. It the court had made the other decision, the name of this candidate would have been inserted manually.

- Abdul-Kerim, do you think there is a possibility of provocations?

- It is not excluded. Only God knows what the adversaries of these elections can contrive to foil them. But let's hope for the best. Unexampled security measures have been taken at all the polling stations.

- What do the people think about the event coming tomorrow?

- The attendance of the voters will be high to all appearances. Almost each resident of the Chechen Republic knows these elections are the second step to peaceful life and well-being. The Chechen people took the first step as far back as March 23 when they voted for the adoption of the constitution. Tomorrow we are electing president.

- Can the forthcoming elections be considered to be open?

- Yes, of course. Many observers of the Arab League, the CIS, and international peacemaking organizations are expected to come. Also about 200 foreign journalists have obtained accreditation. I can say with confidence there will be neither closed zones, nor closed themes for anyone. We have provided the forthcoming elections with absolute "transparency".