Abkhazian Coordination Council Demands Political Reform
Public and Political Leaders Unite to Address Abkhazia’s Political Landscape and Reforms.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Coordination Council, formed during the recent protests in Abkhazia, convened a significant meeting in Sukhum on 21 November, bringing together representatives of the Council of Elders, intellectuals, and public and youth organisations. The discussions focused on addressing the nation’s pressing political and socio-economic issues, with calls for rejecting controversial agreements and implementing systemic reforms.
"A People’s Movement"
Adgur Ardzinba, Chairman of the Abkhazian People's Movement, opened the meeting by emphasising its broad-based representation.
“This is no longer just an opposition initiative; it has become a people’s movement,” Ardzinba declared. He reiterated the need to reject the contentious investment agreement with Russia, which he described as incompatible with the interests of the Abkhazian people and business community.
“We must draw a definitive line under this issue,” Ardzinba added, echoing widespread public discontent with the agreement that many believe would have disproportionately benefited external interests while undermining local sovereignty.
Call for Accountability and Media Independence
Leuan Mikaa, Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Abkhazian Sovereignty, outlined the council’s objectives.
“The broadcasting policy of AGTRK should be overseen by a public council. First and foremost, the issues of the investment agreement and the sale of property in general must be removed from the Abkhazian Parliament’s agenda once and for all,” Mikaa said. He also stressed the need for an independent public council, made up of respected individuals, to oversee the state broadcaster and ensure transparency and accountability.
Public Demand for Accountability
Public discontent with governance failures continues to grow. Leaked documents have revealed the misuse of state funds under former President Aslan Bzhania’s administration, including allocations for election campaigns and questionable citizenship practices. The documents suggest that former President Aslan Bzhania personally approved these requests, fuelling allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Additionally, reports have surfaced of lists compiled within the Presidential Administration labelling individuals as "undesirable" or "foreign agents." These documents reportedly recommended increased scrutiny over granting citizenship to ethnic Abkhazians from Turkey and the Middle East, as well as measures to pressure the families of activists labelled as extremists.
Civil activists, including Akhra Bzhania, head of the public organisation Ахьяца (Akh’yatsa), have urged officials tied to Bzhania’s administration to resign. Activists insist that systemic change is necessary to prevent future abuses of power, with demands for constitutional reforms gaining momentum.
Constitutional Reforms and Broader Calls for Change
The Coordination Council’s meeting comes amid a wave of calls for reforms across Abkhazian society. The Initiative Group, a coalition of prominent citizens and political figures, recently issued a bold manifesto advocating for constitutional amendments to address persistent political crises and promote sustainable development.
Their proposals include:
- Transitioning to a mixed majoritarian-proportional electoral system
- Redistributing powers between branches of government
- Strengthening judicial independence
- Introducing direct elections for local administration heads
- Establishing an independent public broadcasting service
The Public Chamber of Abkhazia has also endorsed constitutional reforms, emphasising the importance of dialogue between the government and society to achieve stability and development. They highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to break the cycle of political crises.
Voices of Change: Liana Kvarchelia and Leuan Lagulaa
Prominent figures like Liana Kvarchelia and Leuan Lagulaa have added their voices to the reform movement. Kvarchelia stressed the importance of not only replacing leaders but also changing governance rules, arguing that postponing elections to implement reforms is essential.
“Now, after the long-awaited resignation of the president, the priority must be reform,” Kvarchelia said, advocating for new electoral laws and administrative reforms.
Lagulaa echoed this sentiment, calling for a pause before rushing into elections and emphasising the need to:
- Limit presidential powers
- Introduce radical changes to electoral legislation
- Develop new doctrines on national security and international relations
“These measures would prevent further societal escalation and make the country more resilient to external influences,” Lagulaa said.