The breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia held elections to its self-styled parliament on June 8.
Georgia -- which doesn't recognize South Ossetia's 2008 declaration of indepedence -- has called the elections illegitimate.
Candidates from nine parties compete for seats in the 34-member parliament in the region's main city, Tskhinvali.
A South Ossetian election official said turnout by the region's estimated 42,000 voters had reached 44 percent by late afternoon.
Preliminary results are expected late on June 8.
One party taking part in the elections, Yedinaya Ossetia, has called for a referendum to be held on joining Russia.
South Ossetia broke away from Georgia after a brief 1992-93 war.
Russia and a few other countries have recognized South Ossetia's independence.
Georgia -- which doesn't recognize South Ossetia's 2008 declaration of indepedence -- has called the elections illegitimate.
Candidates from nine parties compete for seats in the 34-member parliament in the region's main city, Tskhinvali.
A South Ossetian election official said turnout by the region's estimated 42,000 voters had reached 44 percent by late afternoon.
Analysis: 'Decent Guys' Versus Competent Lawmakers
Preliminary results are expected late on June 8.
One party taking part in the elections, Yedinaya Ossetia, has called for a referendum to be held on joining Russia.
South Ossetia broke away from Georgia after a brief 1992-93 war.
Russia and a few other countries have recognized South Ossetia's independence.
