The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the so-called presidential elections held on 18 September 2026 in the occupied Tskhinvali region. Tbilisi stressed that the voting contradicts the fundamental norms and principles of international law, cannot confer legitimacy on the occupation regime, and cannot alter the international legal status of the region as an integral part of Georgia.
“Holding any so-called elections in the occupied territories of Georgia under conditions of military occupation and effective control by the Russian Federation, when internally displaced persons and refugees are denied the opportunity for a safe and dignified return to their homes, is illegal and cannot entail any international legal consequences.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia also categorically condemns the Russian Federation’s decision to hold elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation (the lower house of the Russian parliament) on 18–20 September 2026 in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.
The opening and operation of polling stations of the Russian Federation on the sovereign territory of Georgia without the consent of the Government of Georgia constitutes another gross violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is yet another clear manifestation of the Russian Federation’s policy aimed at the de facto annexation of Georgia’s regions,” the MFA said in a statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to duly assess and strictly condemn these unlawful actions by Russia, as well as to ensure an appropriate international legal and political response. Georgia once again urged the global community to steadfastly defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to support the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
As a reminder, elections for the de facto president are taking place today, 18 September, in occupied South Ossetia. Four candidates are contending for the position of regional head, though Kremlin-backed Marat Kambolov is considered the front-runner.