Ardzinba Campaign Denounces Disinformation Amidst Electoral Tensions
Presidential Candidate Adgur Ardzinba (left) and Vice-Presidential Candidate Alkhas Dzhindzhal.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Central Electoral Headquarters of Adgur Ardzinba, a candidate in Abkhazia’s upcoming presidential elections, has issued a statement condemning what it describes as a coordinated smear campaign. According to the statement, false and provocative information has been widely circulated online and on anonymous social media channels in an attempt to discredit Ardzinba and his team.
The campaign team accuses unnamed actors of fabricating stories, manipulating images, and spreading misleading rumours, while also criticising supporters of rival candidate Badra Gunba for allegedly amplifying these narratives. The team of pro-government candidate Badra Gunba, backed by former president Aslan Bzhania, has been actively distributing fake documents aimed at discrediting opposition figures. Despite the escalating disinformation, the Ardzinba campaign has reaffirmed its commitment to running a transparent and lawful electoral process, insisting that the true outcome will be determined by the will of the Abkhazian people rather than political strategists using dubious methods.
The full statement from the Ardzinba-Dzhindzhal campaign follows below.
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Statement from the Central Electoral Headquarters of Presidential Candidate Adgur Ardzinba and Vice-Presidential Candidate Alkhas Dzhindzhal.
Recently, there has been a surge of false and provocative information circulating online and across various anonymous social media channels. This campaign is clearly aimed at discrediting our candidate, Adgur Ardzinba, and his team.
Nameless figures, traders in conscience and honour, fabricate absurd stories, forge signatures and seals using Photoshop, and peddle lies unworthy of mention in any respectable society. What is even more concerning is that representatives of Badra Gunba’s campaign headquarters, along with the public and political organisations supporting him, at times rely on these dubious publications and the rumours they generate.
Our candidates see no need to respond to or comment on such publications. We remain focused on conducting an electoral campaign that is transparent, competitive, and fully compliant with the laws of the Republic of Abkhazia. Our priority is to communicate our candidates’ positions, perspectives, and programme directly to the electorate.
Ultimately, truth always prevails, and truth is on our side. The outcome of this election will not be determined by PR strategists or political technologists using questionable methods, but by the wisdom and will of the people of Abkhazia.