Akhmed Dudaev has been elected speaker of the parliament of the Chechen Republic following a secret vote by lawmakers on October 4.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov congratulated Dudaev on the appointment, describing it as a responsible position and wishing him success in his new role.

“From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate Akhmed Makhmudovich on this responsible appointment and wish him success in his further work. He has been working in our team since his early years. During this time, we have come a long way together,” Kadyrov said.

Dudaev represents the United Russia party. He previously served as deputy chairman of the Chechen government and as minister for national policy, external relations, press and information.