The Central Election Commission (CEC) of unrecognized Abkhaz Republic refused registration to the opposition candidate, former Interior Minister of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab. Ankvab was nominated by the opposition movement “Aytayra” (“Revival”).
Abkhaz news agency Apsnypress reported on September 2 that six candidates out of eight were registered to run for October 3 presidential elections in the breakaway region.
The candidates include:
1. Raul Khajimba, who has just quit the prime-ministerial position to run for the elections and is endorsed by both current president Vladislav Ardzinba and the Russian president Vladimir Putin;
2. Chief of the Abkhaz power company ChernoMorEnergo Sergei Bagapsh, whose candidacy is supported by the leading opposition movements Amtsakhara and United Abkhazia;
3. de facto Vice-President Valeri Arshba;
4. Former Foreign Minister of the breakaway region Sergei Shamba;
5. Ex-Prime Minister Anri Jergenia;
6. Leader of the Abkhazian Peoples? Party Iakub Lakoba.
Khajimba is widely tipped to become the President largely due to the Russian support, however the opposition is believed to be strong and the outcome is far from certain.