Abkhaz Supreme Court Confirms Bagapsh President-Elect

Sergey Bagapsh, 55, becomes breakaway Abkhazia’s new leader.

The Supreme Court of breakaway Abkhazia confirmed opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh winner of the disputed October 3 presidential elections, the Russian news agencies reported on OCtober 28.

Presidential candidate Raul Khajimba, who along with the local government’s support also enjoys backing from Moscow, appealed the Supreme Court, demanding the cancellation of the Abkhaz Central Election Commission’s October 11 protocol, which declared Sergey Bagapsh president-elect, with 50.08% of the vote.

Itar-Tass news agency reported that the decision by the Supreme Court triggered a protest by Raul Khajimba’s supporters, who stormed the court’s building in the capital Sokhumi; however Khajimba, who denounced the court’s ruling, urged his supporters to remain calm.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling is illegal,” Itar-Tass quoted Khajimba as saying.