Presidential Elections: Abkhazia Heads to Runoff

Abkhazia is set to hold a run-off, Orda reports.

Before voting, the Abkhazian Election Commission disallowed Russia's observer lists, prompting Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) to withdraw from monitoring the vote despite initially accepting the invitation, according to the Caucasian Knot.

No candidate secured an outright majority in the election, Novaya Gazeta reports.

Acting President Badra Gunba led with 46% of votes, followed by Adgur Ardzinba with 37%, setting up a second round scheduled for March 1.

Three other candidates received between 1% and 7%, with voter turnout exceeding 65%.

Georgia's Foreign Ministry condemned the election as "a gross violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The European Union and Ukraine also stated they would not recognize any results from the breakaway region.

The snap election was called following President Aslan Bzhania's resignation amid prolonged protests over an unpopular investment agreement with Russia. 

Moscow subsequently suspended most aid to Sukhumi. After Acting President Gunba pledged to review the investment agreement format, Russia resumed assisting Abkhazia.