Abkhazia Holds Repeat Presidential Elections

Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia is holding repeat presidential elections on January 12 to elect the region’s the new leader who will replace ailing, outgoing President Vladislav Ardzinba.

Along with frontrunner presidential candidate Sergey Bagapsh, leader of the People’s Party of Abkhazia Iakub Lakoba is also running for the presidency.

At least half of the 113,000 registered voters must cast ballots in order to validate the elections. However, as Vice-Speaker of the Russian Parliament Sergey Baburin told Itar-Tass, “voter turnout may be low.” Baburin is in Abkhazia to monitor the polls.

Meanwhile, Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Goga Khaindrava told Tbilisi-based Imedi television on January 11 that “Russia will try to thwart the elections in Abkhazia.” He also said that Moscow is trying to establish political forces which are close to the outgoing Abkhaz President Vladislav Ardzinba in the Abkhaz leadership.

“By this Russia, actually usurps power in Abkhazia,” he added.