Presidential Candidates Sign Pledge Ahead of Runoff Election

SUKHUM / AQW’A — The two candidates contesting the upcoming second round of Abkhazia’s presidential election, Badra Gunba and Adgur Ardzinba, have signed a joint agreement aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process. The agreement outlines mutual commitments to uphold democratic principles, refrain from negative campaigning, and respect the election outcome.

The document emphasises that "only the people of Abkhazia will determine their future," underscoring the candidates' shared belief in national sovereignty and the democratic process. Both Gunba and Ardzinba affirmed that their political rivalry is rooted solely in differing approaches to achieving the common goal of serving the Abkhaz people.

Commitment to Fair Play

Key provisions of the agreement include the following commitments:

1. National Sovereignty: Both candidates affirmed their dedication to the well-being of the Abkhazian people, stating that differences lie only in their approaches to achieving this common goal. They stressed the unwavering consensus within Abkhazian society regarding the republic's sovereignty and the further strengthening of equal and allied relations with Russia, emphasising that neither candidate represents any third-party interests.

2. Ethical Campaigning: Gunba and Ardzinba pledged to prevent the use of negative campaigning, black propaganda, defamation, and discrediting tactics throughout the electoral process. The focus, they stated, should remain on honest competition, platforms, and ideas.

3. Media Responsibility: The candidates called on both domestic and international media to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric or labelling Abkhazian political figures and presidential candidates. Such narratives, they warned, could destabilise the internal situation.

4. Acceptance of Results: Both candidates agreed to accept the election outcome, provided the process adheres strictly to Abkhazian legislation, international standards, and principles of fairness, with objective confirmation of the results' legitimacy.

5. Rejection of Violence: Gunba and Ardzinba committed to preventing any calls for violence, mass unrest, or destabilisation, both during the electoral process and after the announcement of results. They urged their supporters to resist provocations, including those aimed at inciting interethnic discord.

6. Non-use of Administrative Resources: Both sides pledged not to use administrative resources, including state media, for political purposes during the campaign. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the 19 November 2024 agreement, extending its validity until 2 March 2025.

Pre-Election Tensions and Reaffirmed Trust

The agreement follows recent tensions during the pre-election period, including concerns raised by Gunba’s campaign over staffing changes initiated by acting president Valery Bganba, which they viewed as a breach of the prior November agreement. Additionally, the Russian Investigative Committee recently opened a criminal case regarding alleged online incitement of hatred against Russian citizens of various ethnic backgrounds residing in Abkhazia.

Ardzinba's campaign has also raised concerns, alleging a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting their candidate. According to a statement from Ardzinba's Central Electoral Headquarters, false and provocative information has been widely circulated online and through anonymous social media channels. The campaign accused unnamed actors of fabricating stories, manipulating images, and spreading misleading rumours, while also criticising supporters of rival candidate Gunba for allegedly amplifying these narratives.

Moreover, several Abkhazian political parties and public organisations issued a joint statement condemning disinformation and manipulative electoral tactics. The statement accused certain actors of distorting facts, misleading the public, and engaging in divisive strategies.

Despite these challenges, both campaigns sought to reinforce trust through dialogue. Following a meeting between representatives of both camps on 20 February, Gunba agreed to Ardzinba’s request for a direct meeting scheduled for 21 February. Speaking after the preliminary discussions, Gunba stated, "We will approach this meeting with the following principles: the people of Abkhazia alone will determine the election outcome, no campaign headquarters should exert pressure on citizens, and no administrative reshuffles should occur before the election."

Beslan Bigvava, Gunba’s running mate, highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that mutual recognition of the second-round results by both candidates was a fundamental condition. "The people will decide their future and who will lead the country for the next five years. There will be no backroom deals," Bigvava stressed.

The second round of the presidential election is scheduled for 1 March 2025. Both candidates have called on their supporters to refrain from provocations and ensure a peaceful conclusion to the electoral process. The agreement, which came into effect upon signing, will remain valid until the election process concludes, including the post-election period.