Selection of Kadyrov's rivals highlights uncontested nature of elections in Chechnya

Khalid Nakaev, a member of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), and Isa Khadjimuradov from the "Spravedlivaya Rossia (Fare Russia)-Patriots-For Truth" Party have been registered as candidates for the head of Chechnya, along with Ramzan Kadyrov. Both candidates are just technical; there is no talk of a struggle for the post of head of the republic, Ruslan Kutaev, Svetlana Gannushkina and Isa Magomadov believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 6, 2021, Kadyrov submitted documents to the republic's Central Election Commission (CEC) for his nomination as a candidate from the "Edinaya Rossia" (United Russia) Party for the election of the head of the republic upcoming on September 19 this year. On August 10, the CEC registered Kadyrov.

The above Khalid Nakaev has never held any independent leadership posts; was never notable for any particular merits, Ruslan Kutaev, the President of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations, has stated. In his opinion, the rivals have been chosen for Kadyrov artificially.

Obviously, there will be no real struggle between the current head and his opponents, Mr Kutaev is sure. "The choice is clear: it is necessary to create the visibility of democracy, fair elections, and people from other parties are needed for that," he has explained.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the "Civil Assistance" Committee*, has supposed that the candidates have long-term family ties with Kadyrov, which was the reason for their nomination.

Isa Magomadov, a Chechen political analyst, also believes that the election outcome he elections is foregone; and the choice of candidates decides nothing. He has noted that officials will ensure the percentage Kadyrov needs.