Amtsakhara Congress Endorses Presidential Candidate Badra Gunba
Amtsakhara congress in Sukhum backs Badra Gunba for president.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — An extraordinary congress of the Abkhaz political party "Amtsakhara" was held in Sukhum at the Inter-Sukhum Hotel conference hall to discuss the upcoming early presidential elections. Delegates were joined by members of parliament, government officials, and representatives from local administrations.
The congress concluded with a resolution supporting the candidacies of Badra Gunba for president and Beslan Bigvava for vice president. Their bid is also endorsed by other political parties, including "Aitaira," "United Abkhazia," and "People’s Front of Abkhazia," as well as civic organisations affiliated with the "Union of Political Parties and Public Organisations."
Alexei Tsugba, chair of Amtsakhara’s political council, highlighted the importance of conducting elections peacefully and in strict compliance with Abkhazian electoral laws. He urged all parties to refrain from divisive rhetoric and negative campaigning.
Galust Trapizonian, a parliament member and party leader, called for unity, stressing the need to avoid dividing the population into factions. “We must not divide our people into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs,’” he said. “I recall how, during the war [1992-93 Georgian-Abkhazian War], when times were very difficult, we were united and fought against a common enemy. Unfortunately, today, when we meet, we sometimes pretend not to know or see each other. Politics has made us this way. I hope that after the elections, we will have a different kind of politics—a politics of people who can work together. I would like the government to include people who know how to work. I hope Badra Gunba will not divide people into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs.’”
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Gennady Tsulaya, a party member, criticised the absence of dialogue between the government and opposition, describing the current state as a crisis. He warned of an "information war" targeting Abkhazia’s image and internal stability, urging citizens to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Sergei Shamba, leader of "United Abkhazia," condemned certain media outlets for fuelling divisions within the country. He urged citizens to assess information critically and highlighted achievements under the current administration, including budgetary growth and improved security.
Addressing the congress, Badra Gunba expressed gratitude for the party’s endorsement and the veterans’ support. He outlined his campaign priorities, focusing on national unity and a strategic partnership with Russia. Gunba emphasised his commitment to addressing domestic challenges through constructive policies.
The congress reaffirmed its support for Gunba and Bigvava, appealing to the electorate to approach the elections responsibly. Delegates stressed the importance of unity and respect among all political actors to ensure a fair and democratic process.