The newly elected de-facto leader of the Georgian separatist region of South Ossetian/Tskhinvali Alan Gagloev will not rush a referendum on "reunification" with Russia, according to Russian MP Leonid Kalashnikov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots.

"As for the referendum, it is up to them. That said, unlike outgoing leader Anatoly Bibilov, I believe Gagloev will wait now," Kalashnikov stated. "Even if Gagloev stated his willingness to organise such a referendum, it relies on Russia, on how ready Russia and Belarus are to enlarge the Union State," the Russian communist politician remarked. Kalashnikov expressed confidence that Moscow and Tskhinvali will maintain excellent relations "in whatever situation." "As for Russia, whomever the president of South Ossetia is, they are usually very thankful of Russia, and I don't expect any surprises," he added. 

In the second round of the de facto presidential election in South Ossetia on May 8th, according to preliminary results, the leader of the opposition party "Nikhas" Alan Gagloev won with 53.67% of the vote. Anatoly Bibilov, who had been the de facto president until now, congratulated his rival and wished him success.

Voter turnout, according to official figures, was more than 68%. Polling stations were also opened in the Akhalgori district (which came under Tskhinvali control after the 2008 war), where Ossetian passport holders were allowed to vote. The election was monitored by 25 delegates from Russia, Abkhazia, the Donetsk People’s Republic, and Luhansk People's Republic (the latter two were recognised by Russia as independent states in February this year).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and other state departments condemned the so-called second round of the presidential election. According to the statement, such illegal actions violate the fundamental principles and norms of international law and grossly violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.