Akhmed Dudaev, one of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s youngest and longest-serving associates, who for many years oversaw the republic’s information policy and rose through the ranks from an employee of the head and government’s information and analytical department to minister for national policy, external relations, press and information and simultaneously deputy prime minister, has been elected speaker of the sixth convocation of the Chechen Republic’s parliament.
The decision was taken at the first session of the newly elected regional legislature following a secret ballot. Dudaev received 38 votes.
Three other candidates were formally nominated for the post: Isa Khadjimuradov of A Just Russia — For Truth, Khalid Nakaev of the Communist Party and Magomed Alkhazurov of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR). Each received one vote.
Dudaev’s candidacy was personally put forward by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
“He grew up beside me from a young age, working, you could say, without going to sleep, without going home,” Kadyrov said of Dudaev.
After his election, Dudaev thanked Kadyrov “for the opportunity to serve for 20 years in various positions — as a leading specialist, chief adviser [to the information and analytical department of the head and government], head of Television and head of the ministry — all these years alongside you — for the right to work along this path and for creating the conditions for that work,” the new speaker said, recalling the stages of his career.
“There are not enough words to express [my feeling of] pride and to say what an honour it is for me that you supported and nominated me [for this position],” Dudaev said. “May Allah be pleased with you for the trust you have placed in me and in all those who were elected as deputies of the sixth convocation of parliament. We cannot repay you for this, but we will try to justify that trust by becoming [your] loyal and devoted assistants in the position to which you have appointed us — on this path of serving the people,” Dudaev promised on behalf of all the deputies.
Addressing deputies of the new convocation, Kadyrov stressed that the election results demonstrated support for the political course of his father:
“Dear deputies, the high turnout in the elections showed that the Chechen people trust the team and the course of the first president of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov — more than 95% of voters cast their votes [for United Russia]. Never forget that you serve the people. This is a great honour and a great responsibility. Follow the main principle of our team — the words of Akhmat Kadyrov: Let justice prevail. I congratulate you on your election to the highest legislative body — the Parliament of the Chechen Republic. I wish you to be useful to your people.”
The Chechen leader urged deputies not to limit their work to legislation and to engage more closely with the population.
“You will need not only to engage in purely formal legislative work, but also to work with people and be more mobile. Many young people have joined the [new] parliament. We have many ill-wishers, there are those who have gone abroad [and are working against us], they are misleading our young people and preventing us from living peacefully, so we must remain united,” Kadyrov said.
After the session, Kadyrov separately congratulated Dudaev in a post on his Telegram channel:
“I sincerely congratulate Akhmed Makhmudovich on this responsible appointment and wish him success in his future work! He has been part of our team since an early age. We have travelled a long way together, and throughout this time he has been by my side — effectively 24/7, always ready to get involved in the work and accomplish the task at hand. Starting out as a leading specialist, Akhmed Makhmudovich consistently progressed through every stage of professional and public service,” the Chechen leader wrote.
He also highlighted Dudaev’s “dedication to the cause of the First President of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov. In every position he has held, Akhmed Makhmudovich has worked to strengthen information policy, enhance the republic’s standing and implement important state tasks. Today, his experience and sense of responsibility are particularly needed in his role as head of the legislative body,” Kadyrov said.
Following Dudaev’s move to parliament, Ilman Vakhidov, who previously headed the press service of the head of Chechnya, became acting head of the republic’s Ministry for National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information.
Dudaev’s predecessor as parliamentary speaker was Shaid Zhamaldaev, who was elected speaker on 15 May 2024 after Magomed Daudov stepped down from the post ahead of schedule. On 25 May of the same year, Daudov was appointed chairman of the Chechen government.
According to official figures, representatives of United Russia won 35 seats in the new parliament, while the Communist Party, LDPR and A Just Russia each secured two.
