The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the so-called presidential election held in the occupied Tskhinvali region on September 18, 2026, the ministry said in a statement responding to the holding of illegal so-called elections in Georgia’s occupied territories.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the holding of the so-called election violates the fundamental norms and principles of international law. It cannot legitimize the occupation regime or alter the international legal status of the Tskhinvali region as an integral part of Georgia.

“Any so-called elections held in Georgia’s occupied territories under Russia’s military occupation and effective control, while internally displaced persons and refugees are denied the opportunity to return to their homes safely and with dignity, are illegal and cannot produce any international legal consequences.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia also categorically condemns the decision of the Russian Federation to hold elections for the State Duma of the Russian Federation in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions from September 18 to 20, 2026.

The opening and operation of polling stations of the Russian Federation on Georgia’s sovereign territory without the consent of the Government of Georgia constitutes yet another gross violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and another clear manifestation of the Russian Federation’s policy aimed at the de facto annexation of Georgia’s regions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls on the international community to duly assess and strongly condemn these illegal actions by the Russian Federation and ensure an appropriate international legal and political response.

Georgia once again calls on the international community to firmly uphold Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and support the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the statement said.