Who is Behind the Advertising Strategy of Badra Gunba’s Campaign?

SUKHUM / AQW’A —  A new political scandal is brewing in Abkhazia. It began with the publication of a controversial poll by VTsIOM, which claimed that over 30% of voters are ready to support Badra Gunba, while none of his opponents polled above 15%. The Central Election Commission of Abkhazia later declared the poll illegal. However, the focus is not just on the poll itself but on how it is being used in Gunba’s election campaign.

What is most striking is the way the results are being presented. The information is framed as if it originates from the ostensibly Abkhaz media outlet Sputnik Abkhazia.

Even more intriguing is the fact that the same specialists responsible for targeting and promoting Badra Gunba appear to be disseminating information about the revocation of Russian citizenship from Leuan Mikaa, a Hero of Abkhazia, Member of Parliament of the Second Convocation, and Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Abkhazia’s Sovereignty.

The news of the citizenship revocation is being actively promoted on social media and mentioned on both Sputnik Abkhazia and RT, which is no coincidence, as both platforms are effectively controlled by the same forces.

 The screenshot was taken from a popular social media platform.

+ Mikaa and Kvarchia: Citizenship Revocation Politically Motivated

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At a press conference today, Leuan Mikaa and MP Kan Kvarchia stated that they expect a response from presidential candidates, including Badra Gunba. Leuan Mikaa emphasised that Gunba, as a candidate aspiring to the highest office in the country, cannot remain silent on such a critical issue as the protection of Abkhaz citizens. However, instead of a response from Gunba’s team, we are witnessing the actions of targeted advertising specialists.

Rather than issuing statements or taking action to defend Abkhaz politicians, Gunba’s team appears to be leveraging this situation as an informational tool.

On social media, promotional posts have already been spotted, which, on one hand, highlight Gunba’s supposed undeniable lead in the election race and, on the other, actively spread news about the revocation of Leuan Mikaa’s citizenship. This dual strategy raises serious questions about the integrity of the election campaign and the political ethics of the candidate’s team.

It is time to ask direct questions to Badra Gunba and his team. Who is handling his promotion? Why is his advertising strategy tied to the discrediting of Abkhaz politicians?

This article was published by ApsnyHabar Facebook page and is translated from Russian.