By Ekaterina Tesemnikova, exclusively to VK
A few days before the South Ossetian presidential elections scheduled for this Sunday, the Socium polling center published the results of its most recent poll. And even though today mistrust of all polls is generally widespread, this one seems to be objectively reflecting the socio-political atmosphere in the country.
According to the poll, 78.3% of respondents are ready to take part in the upcoming vote, 9.2%, won’t participate in the elections and 12.5% haven’t decided yet. The majority of the people don’t doubt that the election will prove to be a test for the state’s political system as well as for civil society. If the election fails for some reason, it would damage the international image of the republic. However, it seems that almost all the disagreements that led to the December events are now resolved and the political process has returned to its legal framework.
Experts agreed that the document on mutual respect and fair competition signed by all candidates gives hope for a possible prevention of the pre-election aggravation. They also point out an increase in the activity of healthy political forces within the state.
The data provided by the Socium agency indicates that only 3% of the citizens will vote against all thee candidates. And it is true that all the candidates are worthy of the people’s support. According to the polling data, each candidate is sure to win at least 10% of the votes. All candidates have their particular merits. Dmitry Medoyev has vast experience in international relations and global connections. He is believed to represent the intellectuals of South Ossetia, but he is also believed to be ‘one of the lads’ by many responders. Stanislav Kochiyev, the leader of the Communist Party, is a supporter of a social state and of increasing funding for the military. He is also known for his sharp criticism of Kokoyty’s regime. David Sanakoyev is young and full of ambition. He is a supporter of human rights and a strong civil society. He also hasa distinguished military record from the 2004 and 2008 conflicts with Georgia.
Leonid Tibilov is a very experienced politician enjoying the support of the older generation. He is said to be the most adept and experienced of the candidates. He is also an independent candidate, so some of those who supported opposition figures during the previous election are now choosing to bet on him.
Observers are already making guesses as to whether there will be a second round of this election or not. However, the most important thing is to make the people realize that turnout for the election is critical for the statehood of South Ossetia. People here are already tired of constant political turmoil and are ready to accept a legally-elected president. Moscow, in its turn, showed its readiness to work with any of the four candidates, while all the candidates confirmed their intention to continue close cooperation with Russia.
