Presidential contenders in South OssetiaRegistration of candidates for South Ossetia‘s snap presidential election, scheduled for 18 September 2026, has closed, with seven contenders set to run. Yet, even before the campaign has begun, many in South Ossetia believe the outcome is already decided. Following the close of registration, the Central Election Commission will review the documents submitted by the registered contenders to ensure they meet all legal requirements. Frontrunner, ‘supporting cast’ and ‘independent players‘Of the seven contenders, only Prime Minister Marat Kambolov appears to have a realistic chance of winning. A Moscow official dispatched from the Kremlin just a few months ago, he has no prior ties to South Ossetia but enjoys unprecedented political backing.