The new Head of Crimean tatar Mejlis Refat Chubarov, elected during the first session of VI Crimean Tatar Kurultai. He superseded Mustafa Dzhemilev, who had been the Chairman for past 22 years.

According to Mr. Dhemilev’s own estimates, there are only bright sides in changing the Head of Mejlis after two dozens of years. Many of the Kurultai delegates, however, would prefer to have Mustafa Dzhemilev as acting Head of Mejlis at least until the Crimean tatar Rights International Forum is held in spring 2014.

Refat Chubarov wasn’t the only candidate in the run: another candidate, Remzi Ilyasov gave him only 12 points in the ballot. In summary, 114 delegates voted for Mr. Ilyasov against 126 votes for Mr.Chubarov.

Mustafa Dzhemilev approved choosing Refat Chubarov as the Head of Mejlis. He, however, noted that he would be fine with the other candidate as well. Ex-Head of Mejlis promised all the necessary assistance he can provide his successor with.