Bagapsh Supporters Rally in Sokhumi

An all-Abkhaz National gathering (Convent) in support of Sergey Bagapsh, who was declared president-elect by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the unrecognized republic, was held in the breakaway region?s capital Sokhumi on October 14. The participants of the rally demanded to let Bagapsh take the president?s office, reported the Russian NTV television.

Reports over the number rally participants have varied. According to Bagapsh supporters, up to 15 thousand people took part in the gathering, while the opponents say there were 5-7 thousand participants.

Meanwhile, the Abkhaz Supreme Court again postponed the hearing of the appeal of Raul Khajimba, the pro-governmental presidential candidate who has challenged the decision by the CEC to declare Bagapsh the president-elect.

Chairperson of the Supreme Court Alla Avidzba said that the court can launch a hearing only after new members of the Central Election Commission are appointed. The Chairman of the 15-member CEC Sergey Smir, together with three other members filed for resignation on October 11, citing pressure from the supporters of Sergey Bagapsh as their reasoning.