Analysts treat Kadyrov's election results as typical for authoritarian regimes

The 99% that Ramzan Kadyrov scored at the election of the head of Chechnya is a typical outcome for tough authoritarian leaders, Ekaterina Sokirianskaya believes. By reporting on such election totals, authorities, show citizens that the latter decide nothing, Ruslan Kutaev has noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that teachers and doctors in Chechnya were forced to vote repeatedly against their will at different polling stations. Contrary to the law, not only officials, but also the clergy, were campaigning for Kadyrov.

99% is a classic number for election outcome for tough authoritarian leaders, says Ekaterina Sokirianskaya, the director of the Centre for Conflict Analysis and Prevention.

"Since there was a statement that if at least 2% were against, then Ramzan would resign; therefore, it was necessary to make 99%," she has explained.

According to Ms Sokirianskaya, it is impossible to objectively assess the support level for Kadyrov among the population in Chechnya, since people "are afraid for themselves and for their relatives."

She believes that many residents of Chechnya are tired of wars and are simply happy that the republic has been restored, and that salaries and pensions are paid on time. "At the same time, dissatisfied people may be even among Kadyrov's close encirclement. For example, an investigation conducted by the 'Novaya Gazeta' claims that people from his inner circle were involved in the attempt to assassinate Kadyrov," Ms Sokirianskaya asserts.

Ruslan Kutaev, President of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations, treats the Kadyrov's 99% as quite "traditional."

"People in Russian power – both President Vladimir Putin and Kadyrov – understand that they have lost people's support. Therefore, by neglecting the civil society, they 'invent' as many votes in support they want," Mr Kutaev has stated.