Competition for the presidential post is expected to be much more intense than last year, when the Kremlin’s support of Akhmat Kadyrov left no chance to his rivals. Mr. Kadyrov’s main rivals did not run in the election. Aslanbek Aslakhanov, the former member of the State Duma, was appointed assistant of the Russian President; businessman Khusein Dzhabrailov chose not to run for the Chechen Presidency, and businessman Malik Saidullayev was barred from the election by the Supreme Court of Chechnya. In Chechnya, these three people are seen as likely candidates for President.

Ramzan Kadyrov, son of the assassinated President, is also seen as a likely candidate. Given that Khusein Isayev, Chairman of the Chechen Security Council and Akhmad Kadyrov’s closest ally, was also killed in the Sunday attack, Ramzan seems to have a good chance.

According to Kommersant, Chechen and Moscow officials admit in private that Ramzan Kadyrov is too young and inexperienced. However, many believe that his election as Chechen President would help prevent the redistribution of power. In addition, there are fears that several thousands of Ramzan Kadyrov’s armed supporters, who now serve in the security forces, could get out of control if their patron is not elected.

As for Ramzan Kadyrov’s inexperience, he now has a good opportunity to gather experience, serving as Senior Deputy Prime Minister. The appointment was made by acting Chechen President Sergey Abramov.

For its part, Vedomosti reports that the Kremlin will choose a successor to Mr. Kadyrov based not only on his popularity but also on his control of law enforcement bodies. Now, only two people – Ramzan Kadyrov and Sulim Yamadayev, Commander of the Vostok battalion, – have such resources. But Ramzan is only 27 years old, and the Chechen President cannot be under 30 according to the Chechen Constitution.

At the same time, a source in the presidential administration told the newspaper that Ramzan Kadyrov had overseen Mr. Putin's election campaign in Chechnya, and his meeting with the President on the day of the attack and appointment as Senior Deputy Prime Minister showed that Mr. Kadyrov’s son has a good chance.