On April 11, 1993, the first presidential elections in Kalmykia took place. On April 12, it was announced that Kirsan Ilyumzhinov became the President of Kalmykia, 65.37% voted for him.
Three candidates took part in the election race: President of the Sun Corporation Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, General Valery Ochirov and President of the Farmers' Association of Kalmykia Vladimir Bambaev. The main struggle broke out between Ilyumzhinov and Afghan General Valery Ochirov.
During the years that Kirsan Nikolaevich was first president and then head of the republic, many changes have occurred in Kalmykia. Temples were built, City Chess, which hosted the 1998 International Chess Olympiad, was constructed. The largest in Europe the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni Khurul was built. World famous actors and musicians visited the republic, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama paid a pastor's visit to Kalmykia.
