challengers. The most serious of these, Malik Saidullayev, a Moscow-based Chechen businessman, was barred from standing on the technicality of failing to fill his application correctly. The other six challengers had little recognition within Chechnya and several had ties with the government. They were: Abdula Bugayev, an historian and director of the Chechen branch of the Modern Humanities Academy. He finished a distant second to Kadyrov in 2003 with 5.7% of the votes. Movsar Khamidov, a colonel in the Chechen department of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB. Vakha Visayev, an economist and an adviser to the acting Chechen president, Sergey Abramov. Mukhmud-Khasan Asakov, a staff member of the Chechen State Council. Magomed Aidamirov, a businessman from the village of Tolstoy-Yurt. Umar Abuyev, director-general of the Chechen Petrochemical Company. Alkhanov's platform was effectively a continuation of his predecessor's policies, with Chechnya continuing to remain part of Russia; economic autonomy; attracting aid and investment; cutting unemployment and the Russian military presence; and opening peace talks with separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov. In the event, Alkhanov won by a landslide majority with 73.67% of the votes on an 85.25% turnout. Khamidov was second, with 8.95 percent, and Abdula Bugayev came third, with 4.5%. Visayev was fourth, Abuyev fifth, Asakov sixth and Aidamarov seventh, gaining between 0.6% to 4.3% of the vote. 1% of voters voted "against all candidates". The results of the election were regarded with scepticism by some outside observers and the Chechen opposition. The U.S. Department of State, and International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights questioned the fairness of the elections and highlighting the disqualification of Saidullayev. The elections was internationally monitored by the monitors from CIS and LAS; western monitors didn't participate in the monitoring of the elections despite being invited. Polling conditions have been questioned; Khamidov has said that his campaign staff had recorded numerous irregularities and will contest the vote results in court. Honours and awards Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th class (February 15, 2007) – for outstanding contribution to the socio-economic development of the strengthening of Russian statehood and constitutional order Order of Courage Order of Honour (October 12, 2011) – for labour achievements and many years of diligent work Medal For Courage Medal "For Distinction in the Protection of Public Order" Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation Diploma of the Government of the Russian Federation (January 20, 2007)