Khajimba Challenges CEC Decision

Pro-governmental presidential candidate Raul Khajimba condemned the decision by the Abkhaz Central Election Commission (CEC), which declared opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh as the winner of the October 3 presidential elections in this unrecognized republic.

?If it is necessary we will hold protest rallies in order to restore justice,? Interfax news agency quoted Khajimba as saying, while addressing his supporters late on October 11 in Sokhumi.

According to the CEC decision Bagapsh received 50.08% of the votes during the elections. This data includes votes from the Gali district as well.

However, earlier the CEC had canceled the results of Gali elections and appointed a re-vote for October 17 there. The decision was challenged by Raul Khajimba, who demanded a re-vote in the entire republic and not just in Gali. He even appealed the Supreme Court. A court hearing is scheduled for October 13.