The ban on pre-election campaigning ahead of the April 10 presidential election came into force in South Ossetia on Saturday.
According to the electoral legislation of the Republic, on April 9, at 00.00, the period allotted by law for pre-election campaigning expired, this applies to television and radio broadcasts, all print media, posting leaflets and hanging banners, as well as meetings of candidates with voters. The last events within the framework of the election campaign were held by the candidates on Friday. During the period of the pre-election campaign, nine rounds of debates took place between the candidates on local television.
As the CEC Secretary of Kristina Avlokhova explained to the IA "Res", on the day of silence, any campaigning is prohibited, only large-sized campaign banners that are posted before the day of silence will remain hanging in their former places. All polling stations are ready for the day of voting.
Foreign observers continue to arrive in the Republic. The CEC plans to accredit more than 60 observers, including from the State Duma, the Federation Council and the CEC of the Russian Federation, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, Austria, Italy, Abkhazia, Donbass.
The incumbent President Anatoly Bibilov and four opposition candidates are registered as candidates for the highest post of the country - Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Alexander Pliev, leader of the Nykhas political party Alan Gagloev, deputy Garry Muldarov and former deputy Dmitry Tasoev. All candidates are in favor of further strengthening relations with Russia.
A total of 72 polling stations will be opened, four more stations will open in the capitals of Russia, Abkhazia and North Ossetia, one each in Moscow and Sukhum and two in Vladikavkaz at the Metallurgy House of Culture (Iryston St., 3) and in the Palace of Youth (Leonov, 2). According to the CEC, more than 32,000 voters are registered in the Republic, and 40,000 ballots have been printed. The turnout threshold is 50% plus one vote. To win, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes.
The International Information Center of the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia will begin its work at 9:00 on Sunday, April 10, and all information about the voting process both at the polling stations on the territory of the Republic and abroad will be collected there.
President of South Ossetia is elected for a term of five years by universal direct secret ballot. Citizens over the age of 18 can take part in the elections.
