Abkhazia’s presidential elections head to a second round as no candidate secured a majority. Badra Gunba received 46.38% and Adgur Ardzinba 36.92%. Voter turnout was reported at 65%, with notable participation in Moscow. The elections were monitored by observers from 25 countries despite Russia’s absence, and the final round is expected to be held by March 1.
Abkhazia’s presidential election has progressed to a second round after no candidate secured an outright majority in the snap elections held on Saturday. Badra Gunba, the former Vice-President, garnered 46.38% of the votes, while opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba received 36.92%. The remaining candidates did not qualify for the next round, with Robert Arshba at 7.53%, Oleg Bartsits at 4.4%, and Adgur Khurkhumal at approximately 1%.
Voting was conducted across Abkhazia and at two locations in Russia: Moscow and Cherkessk, achieving a voter turnout of around 65%. Notably, nearly 2,700 voters participated in Moscow, marking a historic high. Beslan Kobakhiya, the head of the Moscow precinct commission, highlighted the unprecedented turnout, stating it was “an absolute record in the entire history of our elections in Moscow.”
While the elections proceeded with minimal violations as confirmed by both candidates’ observers and international monitors, the absence of Russian observers raised questions. According to Dmitry Marshan, head of Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission, Russia declined to send observers after a request to limit their numbers to 35. However, a delegation of international observers from 25 countries assessed the electoral process.
The second round of the elections is anticipated to occur no later than two weeks post-vote, with a likely date being March 1. Voters holding Abkhazian passports will have the choice to select either Gunba or Ardzinba, or to express their opposition to all candidates.
The recent presidential elections in Abkhazia are proceeding to a second round due to no candidate achieving an outright majority. The elections exhibited a high voter turnout, particularly in Moscow, despite the absence of Russian observers. The second round is set to conclude decisions between the top two candidates, signifying a pivotal moment in Abkhazia’s political landscape.
Original Source: oc-media.org
