The Kremlin’s favored candidate, Badra Gunba, fell short of a majority in Abkhazia’s presidential election, resulting in a runoff against Adgur Ardzinba. Gunba, previously vice president, encountered challenges, including a lack of polling stations for the runoff. The election reflects ongoing tensions over Russian influence, as critics oppose economic control motivated by Moscow. Georgia and the EU dismiss the election’s legitimacy, citing continued violations of territorial integrity.
In the February 15 presidential election in Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, all candidates expressed support for Russia. However, the Kremlin’s favored candidate, Badra Gunba, did not achieve a majority, necessitating a runoff against Adgur Ardzinba, who criticized Russian economic policies. The Election Commission reported that Gunba fell short of the 50 percent threshold required to win outright, with the second round anticipated by March 1.
Gunba, who previously served as vice president, became acting leader on November 19, following the resignation of Aslan Bzhania amid widespread protests concerning an investment deal with Russia. Critics of the agreement feared it posed a risk to Abkhazia’s delicate situation under Russian influence. The runoff election is complicated by the absence of polling stations in Moscow and Cherkessk on the second round, where Gunba traditionally garners substantial support.
Ardzinba, a former de facto economy minister and leader of the Abkhaz People’s Movement, is committed to fostering close ties with Moscow while opposing the controversial investment agreement. Pro-government media in Russia have attempted to portray him as “pro-Turkish”. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the election process, calling for international acknowledgment of Moscow’s continued violations and dismissing the legitimacy of the elections in Abkhazia.
Abkhazia lacks recognition as an independent entity by the global community, with its status acknowledged only by Russia and a few other states. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia maintains a formidable military presence in Abkhazia and has plans for developing a naval base in the region. The election’s backdrop reflects persistent tensions regarding Russian dominance following last year’s investment deal that was ultimately rejected by Abkhazia’s parliament after Bzhania’s resignation.
Prior to the election, the Kremlin made its support for Gunba explicit, orchestrating a test flight from Moscow to Abkhazia’s Sukhumi Airport shortly before voting. Following meetings with senior Russian officials, Gunba announced the resumption of financial aid, which had been halted since September, along with increased electricity supplies to address significant shortages. The Kremlin’s backing is overseen by Sergei Kiriyenko, a high-ranking aide to President Putin, promising development assistance for Abkhazia.
With the runoff approaching, the situation remains precarious, revealing a growing discontentment among the populace regarding Russian economic strategies. The outcome of the next round is uncertain. The European Union has reiterated its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly stating that it does not recognize the framework of the elections held in Abkhazia.
The recent presidential election in Abkhazia, heavily influenced by Russia, led to a runoff between Badra Gunba and Adgur Ardzinba due to Gunba’s failure to secure a majority. This will occur against a backdrop of increasing public skepticism regarding Russian economic policies and military presence. Georgia’s government continues to contest the legitimacy of this election process, while the EU supports Georgia’s claim to territorial sovereignty, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
