Abkhazian Elections Proceed as Turnout Exceeds 55% Threshold
Voting in Abkhazia's presidential election will continue until 8:00 PM.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia has officially confirmed that the presidential elections have met the required threshold, with voter turnout exceeding 55%.
According to CEC Chairman Dmitry Marshan, by 18:00 local time, 79,019 citizens had cast their votes, accounting for 55% of the electorate. This ensures that the election process is valid under Abkhazia’s electoral laws.
Voter Turnout by Region
- Sukhum — 22,311 voters (51%)
- Gagra District — 14,008 (61%)
- Gudauta District — 15,057 (50%)
- Sukhum District — 3,307 (56%)
- Gulrypsh District — 7,106 (54%)
- Ochamchira District — 9,357 (57.5%)
- Tquarchal District — 2,655 (46%)
- Gal District — 1,280 (64%)
Abroad - Moscow — 2,240 voters
- Cherkessk — 1,688 voters
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Election Day Developments
Polling stations across Abkhazia opened at 8:00 AM on Saturday, 15 February, with voting set to continue until 8:00 PM, when ballot counting will begin.
The presidential race features five candidates:
- Badra Gunba
- Adgur Ardzinba
- Robert Arshba
- Oleg Bartsits
- Adgur Khurkhumal
To win in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes cast plus one additional vote. If no candidate achieves this majority, a runoff election will be held between the two leading contenders.
As polling stations prepare to close, all eyes remain on the election results, which will determine the country’s next president.
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