Abkhaz presidential candidates to be tested for state language knowledge

SUKHUM -- The Central Election Commission has formed a linguistic commission which should establish the state language proficiency of the presidential candidates. It includes five people: Alexey Kaslandzia, Batal Khagush, Eva Tania, Adgur Shinkuba and Fatima Kvarchelia, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Batala Tabagua said. According to the Constitution the President of Abkhazia should speak the state Abkhaz language proficiently.

Nomination of presidential candidates finished on November 2. The Central Election Commission received subscription lists from initiative groups nominating Zaur Ardzinba, Vitaly Bganba and Raul Khadzhimba, as well as decisions of the “United Abkhazia” and the Party of Economic Development of Abkhazia conventions. ‘United Abkhazia” nominated the head of the state Sergey Bagapsh as presidential candidate, the EDA Party its Chairman Beslan Butba.

Registration of candidates will finish on November 12. Upon receiving certificates candidates have the right to campaign.