Tskhinvali Celebrates ‘Independence’ Vote

Hundreds gathered on the main square in the breakaway South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali overnight to celebrate “successful independence referendum and presidential elections,” the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported.

“We have once again demonstrated our unity and drive towards independence,” South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity told the crowd in Tskhinvali. According to election officials, Kokoity will be re-elected as President of the breakaway region.

Meanwhile, in the Georgian village of Eredvi in the conflict zone, Dimitri Sanakoev was celebrating a victory in alternative presidential elections organized by the Salvation Union of Ossetians – a Tbilisi-backed non-governmental organization set up by ethnic Ossetians who are outspoken critics of Kokoity.

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