Kadyrov Wins Fifth Chechen Term With 99.85%

Russia's Central Election Commission said that after processing 100% of ballots, Ramzan Kadyrov gained 99.85% of the vote for head of Chechnya. "According to data on the online scoreboard, after processing 100% of ballots, Kadyrov gains 99.85% of the vote. The other two candidates received 0.05% each," the Russian CEC said, via Interfax. Ismail Denilkhanov of A Just Russia and Khalid Nakayev of the Communist Party were the other candidates. Kadyrov ran for United Russia, has led Chechnya since 2007, and won a fifth term. Official results were 99.7% with 94.61% turnout in 2021 and 97.94% with 94.8% turnout in 2016. The Chechnya vote was held alongside Russia's State Duma and regional elections. Preliminary CEC figures gave United Russia 57.82% of the nationwide party-list vote after 83.52% of protocols were processed, with final national results expected Sept. 25. Russia's Supreme Court disqualified Yabloko's federal party list before the vote. Novaya Gazeta Europe reported on April 22, 2024 that Kadyrov was diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis in 2019. On May 6, 2025, Kadyrov said he had asked to be relieved of his position. Important Stories reported on Jan. 23, 2026 on Kremlin discussions of succession scenarios. The Kremlin has not publicly announced a succession process.