April 9, 2017 saw presidential elections and the referendum on resumption of the historic name “the State of Alania” that took place in the Republic of South Ossetia.
The elections as well as the referendum were organized on grounds of the Constitution and electoral legislation of the Republic of South Ossetia and in full compliance with fundamental principles of democracy and rules of international law. 5 out of 77 polling stations were opened on territories of diplomatic representations of the Republic of South Ossetia in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia.
According to unilateral conclusion made by more than 80 international observers present at polling stations, the elections and the referendum were absolutely transparent, introduced high electoral standards and principles of democracy, passed in a peaceful atmosphere and with high voter turnout. The voting was covered by large number of journalists from different states.
According to final protocol published by the Central Election Commission, Anatoliy Bibilov was elected as the new President of the Republic of South Ossetia.
Results of the referendum confirmed the intention of the majority of citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia to resume the historic name of the country – the State of Alania, which from now on would be used alongside with the existing name.
Voting at presidential elections and the referendum on April 9, 2017 would become for the international community another confirmation of the democratic constitution of the Republic, which became a basis for statehood and stability of the political system of the Republic of South Ossetia – the State of Alania.
April 12, 2017, Tskhinval