Badra Gunba Wins “Presidential Elections” in Occupied Abkhazia

Badra Gunba claimed victory over Adgur Ardzinba, according to preliminary results published by the Abkhazian “Central Election Commission.” A runoff in elections that Georgia and most of the world consider illegitimate was held on March 1, and Gunba was reportedly Moscow’s favorite.

Late on election night, Gunba addressed supporters at his campaign headquarters, declaring his win. “This is not a victory for Badra Gunba and Beslan Bigvava’s team. This should be a victory for the people of Abkhazia,” he stated, adding that for the sake of Abkhazia, they “must be united.”

The so-called Central Election Commission released preliminary data showing that:

• Badra Gunba received 54.73% (54,954 votes)
• Adgur Ardzinba received 41.54% (41,708 votes)

The so-called Central Election Commission (CEC) reported a turnout of nearly 70%, with 100,412 casting their ballots. According to the “CEC’s chairman” Dmitry Marshan, 2,065 voters chose to vote “against all” option, while 1,687 ballots were declared invalid.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory telegram to Badra Gunba. “I am confident that friendly, allied Russian-Abkhazian relations will continue to strengthen for the benefit of our fraternal peoples,” the message read.

Violence Disrupts Process

The election day was marred by violence. At approximately 7:30 p.m., tensions flared at polling station No. 2 in Tsandrypsh School, Gagra district, during an “armed attack” resulting in “damage to a ballot box and election documents,” reported Apsnypress based on the de facto Ministry of Internal Affairs press service.

During a subsequent pursuit, a shootout occurred at the checkpoint when the attackers allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers. Two civilians were reported injured in the incident and taken to a hospital. Some of the attackers were detained.

The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened criminal cases under several articles of the Russian Criminal Code, including terrorism, according to Svetlana Petrenko, an official representative of the Russian Investigative Committee.

Following the incidents, Gunba said: “Unfortunately, this is the irresponsibility of certain individuals. I hope it will not lead to tragedy. Every person, every citizen of our country, deserves to live in a free, independent, and prosperous state.”

Abkhazia’s de facto parliament has called for early elections after Aslan Bzhania stepped down as de facto president in the wake of mass protests in the occupied region last November. As no candidate crossed the 50% threshold, a runoff was scheduled.

Georgian Dream Reacts

The Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Equality condemned the so-called second round of presidential elections in Abkhazia, calling it yet another blatant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

International Reaction

The European Union’s press office commented on the so-called elections in Abkhazia, stating that it doesn’t recognize the constitutional and legal framework in which the so-called presidential elections in Abkhazia were held. The EU emphasized continued support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and reiterated that the bloc will continue the non-recognition and engagement policy regarding the separatist region of Abkhazia.

Most of the international community considers Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region territories occupied by Russia and perceives any diplomatic engagement with their de facto authorities as a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following the first round of the polls, Ukraine and the UK condemned the process, reiterating their refusal to recognize its legitimacy.

Also Read:

• 17/02/2025 – Occupied Abkhazia’s “Presidential Elections” Enter Second Round
• 11/02/2025 – Russian Passenger Jet Lands at Sokhumi Airport as Official Tbilisi Remains Silent
• 01/02/2025 – Alleged Future Russian Curator of Abkhazia Visits Sokhumi Ahead of “Presidential Polls”
• 15/11/2024 – Protesters in Sokhumi Break Into So-called Parliament

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