Bagapsh wins Presidential vote in break-away Abkhazia
Mon 14 Dec 2009
On Saturday December 12th Presidential elections took place in Georgia’s break-away Abkhazia. The election was the first in Abkhazia since its self-proclaimed independence following Russia’s war with Georgia over South Ossetia in 2008. According to Sunday’s preliminary results the incumbent, Sergey Bagapsh, who has the tacit support of Moscow, was re-elected with 59.4% of the votes.
The other candidates were trailing far behind, with main rival and former vice-president Raul Khajimba garnering 15.4%, Zaur Ardzinba (head of state-owned Abkhaz Shipping Company) – 10.6%, Beslan Butba (businessman and former MP) with 8% and vitally Bganba (university professor) with 1.5%. According to an official Abkhaz news agency, Apsnipress, the voter turnout was 73%.
Tbilisi was quick to condemn the vote as an ‘immoral comedy’ staged by the occupying force – Russia. Georgian officials also say they are keeping a close eye on the developments in Abkhazia.
Sources: Civil.ge, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Source photo: Caucasian Knot
Back to news
