Abkhazia’s CEC Opens Press Centre Ahead of Presidential Elections
SUKHUM / AQW’A — Today, the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia officially opened its press centre in Sukhum. During the event, CEC Chairman Dmitry Marshan provided updates on preparations for the 15 February presidential elections and answered questions from journalists.
Polling Station in Türkiye Closed
Marshan confirmed that the polling station in Türkiye had been closed due to the situation on the ground but did not provide further details on the decision.
International Observers in Abkhazia
According to Marshan, 100 international observers from 25 different countries have arrived in Abkhazia to monitor the election process. Among them are representatives from:
Austria, Germany, Spain, Greece, Italy, Argentina, Serbia, Portugal, South Korea, South Ossetia, Transnistria, and Russia, among others.
The Russian Federation is represented by Sergey Baburin, a Russian politician and former State Duma deputy (I, II, and IV convocations).
Other international representatives include:
- France – Arnaud Olivier Jean Develey, an expert in international law.
- Italy – Sara Cunial, a former Italian MP and chair of the political party "Vita".
- Colombia – David Alejandro Toro Ramirez, a member of the House of Representatives of the Congress of Colombia.
CEC Press Centre Operations on Election Day
The CEC press centre will be operational on 15 February from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing:
- Real-time updates on the election process,
- Reports from law enforcement on election security,
- Statements from international observers, sharing their assessments from polling stations.
International Observers Praise Election Preparations
During the opening of the CEC international press centre in Sukhum on 14 February, several international observers shared their initial assessments of the upcoming election process.
Arnaud Olivier Jean Develey (France), an international law expert, political consultant, and journalist, expressed his enthusiasm about visiting Abkhazia.
"I am confident that everything will proceed smoothly, in full compliance with the law, and that we will witness democratic elections."
Sara Cunial (Italy), a former Five Star Movement MP, praised the high level of election organisation and compared Abkhazia’s democratic processes to self-determination efforts worldwide.
"Democratic processes in your country can serve as an example for others in terms of a people's right to self-determination. Abkhazia and Italy share many historical and cultural ties. We understand your desire to be a free and independent nation, and in this sense, I see that your people are very much like ours."
David Alejandro Toro Ramirez (Colombia), a member of the Colombian Congress, also expressed his appreciation for the invitation.
"I am very happy to be in this hospitable country. Our primary goal is to observe all electoral processes."
Yoon Jung Sik (South Korea), a professor and public figure, shared his positive first impressions of Abkhazia, stating that he was pleased to visit the country for the first time.
Additionally, Sergey Baburin (Russia), a former State Duma deputy and doctor of law, who is also an international observer for the elections, delivered remarks at the press centre opening:
"I sincerely hope that tomorrow we will see that Abkhazia’s statehood is firmly established. There is experience here in conducting electoral campaigns with dignity and organisation. Despite the political tensions between candidates, we believe these will remain within the framework of the Constitution and the law. We will observe and assess the process accordingly.
I have been coming to Abkhazia for over 30 years, for elections and other political events. I genuinely hope that there will be no misunderstandings between Abkhazia and the Russian Federation, and that harmony and unity in our actions will prevail."
The press centre will serve as the official hub for election-related information throughout the day.