Ahmed Dudaev elected speaker of Chechnya’s parliament
In short
Deputies of Chechnya’s parliament elected Ahmed Dudaev, previously deputy prime minister of the republic and minister for national policy, external relations, press and information, as their chairman. Regional head Ramzan Kadyrov, who proposed the candidacy, announced the vote after the first session of the parliament’s sixth convocation. Dudaev replaces Shaid Zhamaldaev, who had held the post since 15 May 2024, according to Interfax.
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Deputies of the parliament of the Chechen Republic elected Ahmed Dudaev as their chairman, according to the regional head, Ramzan Kadyrov. Interfax reported that Kadyrov announced the result on his VKontakte page, saying he had taken part in the first session of the parliament’s sixth convocation and that deputies had elected the legislative body’s leadership. Kommersant reported that Dudaev’s candidacy was proposed by Kadyrov, and that Dudaev is a member of the United Russia party. TASS and RBC also reported the election. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Dudaev previously served as deputy chairman of the Chechen government and as minister for national policy, external relations, press and information, Kommersant, Interfax and RBC reported. According to Interfax, citing Kadyrov, Dudaev began his career as a lead specialist and worked through all stages of professional and state service. Kommersant quoted Kadyrov’s congratulations to the new speaker: “Он с ранних лет трудится в нашей команде... Мы прошли большой путь вместе, и все это время он был рядом со мной.” [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Interfax reported that the post of Chechen parliament chairman had been held since 15 May 2024 by Shaid Zhamaldaev. The documents do not give the vote tally, state why the post changed hands, or say where the session took place. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The vote fills the leadership of the legislature in one of Russia’s North Caucasus republics, following an appointment process in which the regional head proposed the candidate. The documents give no indication of a policy shift or of any contest over the post; the change of speaker is reported as a procedural outcome of the new convocation’s first session.
Key facts
- Ahmed Dudaev was elected chairman of the parliament of the Chechen Republic. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- His candidacy was proposed by regional head Ramzan Kadyrov. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Before the election, Dudaev was deputy chairman of the Chechen government and minister for national policy, external relations, press and information. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The election took place during the first session of the parliament’s sixth convocation. [ 3 ]
- Dudaev is a member of the United Russia party. [ 1 ]
- The post of parliament chairman had been held by Shaid Zhamaldaev since 15 May 2024. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Ahmed Dudaev was elected chairman of the parliament of the Chechen Republic. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Ramzan Kadyrov proposed Dudaev’s candidacy. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Dudaev had served as deputy chairman of the Chechen government and as minister for national policy, external relations, press and information. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- The number of votes cast for Dudaev or against him. The documents say the election took place ‘по итогам голосования’ but none gives a tally.
- Why Shaid Zhamaldaev left the post of parliament chairman. Only Interfax mentions the predecessor and it does not state a reason for the change.
- Whether Dudaev keeps his government and ministerial posts after the election. The documents describe those posts as his previous positions without saying whether he retains them.
- The city where the parliamentary session was held. No document names the venue or city.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Kommersant reports that deputies elected Ahmed Dudaev as parliament chairman, with Kadyrov proposing the candidacy. [ 1 ]
- TASS reports Dudaev’s election as chairman of the Chechen parliament. [ 2 ]
- Interfax reports Kadyrov’s VKontakte statement that the election took place at the first session of the parliament’s sixth convocation, and notes Shaid Zhamaldaev had held the post since 15 May 2024. [ 3 ]
- RBC reports Dudaev’s election. [ 4 ]