Kremlin's man to lead Chechnya

Chechnya’s Kremlin-appointed leader was assured of victory in the region’s presidential vote, a widely expected outcome after his main challengers withdrew or were removed from an election condemned by critics as a sham.

With more than 44% of the votes counted in preliminary and unofficial tallies, Chechen administration chief and acting president Akhmad Kadyrov had about 85% and his victory in Sunday’s election was beyond doubt.

In the war-shattered capital Grozny, many Chechens turned out in suits and fine dresses to vote. But others said the proceedings as a farce.

Russian officials and lawmakers have discussed substantial autonomy for Chechnya, but no terms have been reached, and ITAR-Tass news agency quoted Kadyrov as saying the region needed no special political status but should have broad economic authority.

More than 86% of Chechnya’s 561,000 eligible voters cast ballots.

No Western observers were present for the voting. At some polling places, paper ballots were dropped into taped-up cardboard cartons.

The election was widely denounced by critics after two candidates who rated higher than Kadyrov in early opinion polls disappeared from the ballot – one withdrawing to become an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the other barred from running by the Chechen Supreme Court.

Six virtually unknown candidates ran against Kadyrov, whose posters touting “Pure intentions (and) strong leadership” were prominent. Once allied with the rebels, Kadyrov is mistrusted by many in Chechnya and his personal security force, run by his son Ramzan, is widely feared.