Occupied Abkhazia holds runoff in de facto presidential election

Georgia’s Russian-occupied region Abkhazia is holding the second round of its de facto presidential election, with the race narrowing down to Badra Gunba, the ruling establishment’s candidate, and Adgur Ardzinba, the main opposition contender.

The first round took place on February 15, where, according to the region’s de facto election commission, Gunba secured around 46% of the vote, while Ardzinba received 37%. The remaining votes were split among three other candidates.

Local analysts predicted ahead of the election that in the event of a runoff, the opposition candidate would have a strong advantage, as supporters of the eliminated candidates were expected to back Ardzinba.

The outcome of the runoff will determine the next de facto leader of Abkhazia, a breakaway region recognized by most of the world as part of Georgia but backed by Russia. The election process remains unrecognized by Tbilisi and the international community.