Magomedsalam Magomedov, the new president of Daghestan, unveiled the composition of his cabinet last week. The ministers' different ethnic origin is a bid to accommodate the Republic's national diversity. In accordance with the presidential plans, 5 ministries will be led by Avars, which is the largest ethnic community in spite of constituting a 29% of the total population only. Dargins and Lezgins, with a 16% and 13%, will have three ministers each, while two ministers will be appointed belonging to Kumyk (14%), Lak (5%) and Tabasaran (4%) nationalities. Last but no least, a Russian (6%) will keep her post as one of the four deputy prime ministers.

All nationalities exceeding 4% of the overall population will be represented by at least one minister except for the Azeris. According to RFE/RL, Magomedov -himself a Dargin- appointed Avar Magomed Abdullayev as prime minister and most likely will propose a Kumyk as Parliament speaker.

Analysts say the quota arrangement plays a key role in the stability of Daghestan's political and social systems, as the slightest changes may have consequences. An example of this was the protest carried out by ethnic Kumyks after rumours spread that President Magomedsalam Magomedov had no intention of appointing a Kumyk for the post of prime minister.

Weak stability

Despite being aware of the fragility of the situation, the president seems to be in favour of loosening the rigidity of the quota system. He showed his support to ethnic quotas last February, saying that "all nations ought to be represented", but added that other aspects should also be taken into account: "In the first instance we should consider professional qualities, reputation, business and personal qualities", Magomedov said.

He said his government's priorities must be to fight unemployment, crime, clan rivalry, corruption and combat Islamist rebels such as Shariat Jamaat group.

Unlike neighboring Chechen and Ingush republics, there is no open armed conflict in Daghestan. However, Islamist bombings are frequent, and there are severe tensions among different ethnic groups and several pro-independence movements.

Further information:

• RFE/RL: Daghestan's New Cabinet (More Or Less) Reflects Republic's Ethnic Composition
• Georgian Daily: Changing Daghestan’s ‘Unwritten Rules of the Game’ Could Lead to More Instability, Markedonov Says
• RiaNovosti: Dagestan's second president inaugurated, set to combat terrorism
• Crisis Group: Russia’s Dagestan: Conflict Causes