Kadyrov Wins Fifth Term as Chechnya Leader With 99.85% Vote

Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been re elected for a fifth term as leader of Chechnya after securing 99.85% of the vote, Russia’s Central Electoral Commission said.

Kadyrov’s result was slightly higher than the 99.73% recorded in 2021. The election was held alongside Russia’s parliamentary and regional elections, which saw Kremlin backed candidates win across the country.

Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya with broad autonomy under Putin, maintaining stability in the mainly Muslim region after years of Islamist insurgency. He has also strongly supported Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying Chechen forces have fought there since 2022.

International observers have previously criticised elections in Chechnya, while Kadyrov has rejected the allegations. Human rights organisations have also accused his government of widespread rights abuses, including against journalists and LGBT people, claims he denies.