The issue of holding a referendum on the entry of South Ossetian/Tskhinvali region into Russia will be decided in cooperation with the Russian government according to the elected de-facto President of Tskhinvali region Alan Gagloev.

“This is not a one-way process. Today we see that our strategic partner, the Russian Federation, is dealing with geopolitical issues, conducting a special operation in Ukraine to destroy ‘neo-Nazi’ formations. We must understand our strategic partner. As soon as there is a signal, as soon as there is an understanding that the time has come, we will definitely hold this referendum,” Gagloev said.

Alan Gagloev, in turn, said that there would be a referendum, but taking into account the interests of South Ossetia's ally. “Each president of the Republic of South Ossetia has always understood and said that our vector is maximum integration with the Russian Federation. However, we understand that this is not a one-way process. You and I remember that recently Anatoly Ilyich Bibilov announced a referendum on joining the Russian Federation. For our part, we have made our position clear. South Ossetia has already held several referendums, the people have expressed their opinion, but if another referendum is needed, we will definitely hold it,” Gagloev said.

The de-facto President-elect of South Ossetia said that contacts between South Ossetia and Georgia will continue in existing formats, there is no talk of new ones. “At this stage, there are Geneva discussions, there is an IPRM format (Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms). For now, these are the frameworks. At this stage, it’s premature to talk about any projects, if not impossible,” Gagloev said, answering a question about the possibility of dialogue with Tbilisi. “There must be political decisions on the part of Georgia, after which various issues can be discussed,” Gagloev said.

Earlier, Russian MP Leonid Kalashnikov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots said that 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. "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).