Towards the Elections
Election campaigns in Abkhazia intensified this week, with candidates holding meetings, rallying supporters, and outlining their preliminary agendas. The main contest centres on former Vice President Badra Gunba, representing the government, and opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba.
Trailing close behind is former Audit Chamber head Robert Arshba, who is appealing to traditional, religious, and neutral voters disillusioned with both the government and opposition. Meanwhile, Oleg Bartsits has reduced his campaign activity since his registration, and Adgur Khurkhumal has yet to start his campaign, having only been registered on 16 January.
Gunba has received open backing from former Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab, whose party formally endorsed Gunba and Beslan Bigvava on 16 January. Government resources are heavily mobilised in Gunba’s favour, with much of the presidential and parliamentary press services, along with local leaders, supporting his campaign.
“No amount of money will help unless we, the people of Abkhazia, understand that education and our children are our top priority and greatest investment,”
— Alkhas Dzhinzhal, vice-presidential candidate, speaking at a meeting with residents of Bzyb.
The campaign team of pro-government candidate Badra Gunba has been accused of spreading fake news, primarily targeting opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba and his supporters. This week, Gunba’s team allegedly circulated doctored documents resembling the controversial “Kozak–Bzhania Protocol,” which had implicated former President Aslan Bzhania in questionable agreements.
The fabricated “Kozak–Ardzinba Protocol” claimed that Ardzinba had made similar commitments during a meeting in Moscow. However, the forgery was quickly exposed as Ardzinba was confirmed to have been in Sukhum at the time, supported by video evidence from public opposition events. Additionally, the seal on the document was revealed to have been digitally copied from the original Kozak–Bzhania protocol.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia has unanimously approved the establishment of a polling station in Adapazarı, the administrative centre of Sakarya Province in Türkiye, for the upcoming presidential elections. Dmitry Marshan, Chairman of the CEC, stated that the move aims to avoid “unnecessary attention from local authorities.” The decision was reached following consultations with Abkhazia’s official representative in Türkiye, Ibrahim Avidzba.
Polling stations are also set to operate in Moscow and Cherkessk, Russia, on 15 February. However, a request to establish a voting station in Kabardino-Balkaria was declined, leaving citizens in that region without local access to voting facilities.
The Public Union of Veterans and Citizens of Abkhazia "Aiaaira" has appealed to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba, requesting the consideration of opening polling stations in Kabardino-Balkaria and Rostov-on-Don for the upcoming presidential elections in the Republic of Abkhazia.
Meanwhile, the CEC has announced key changes to election procedures, including the elimination of absentee ballots to prevent misuse. Voters must now cast their ballots at their designated polling stations based on official registration. Those without a registered address can apply to the CEC for voting documentation, and stamps will be placed in passports to confirm participation.
The early presidential elections, scheduled for 15 February, will feature five candidates:
Badra Gunba (b. 1981), running with Beslan Bigvava (b. 1971)
Adgur Ardzinba (b. 1982), running with Alkhas Dzhindzhal (b. 1974)
Robert Arshba (b. 1974), running with Daut Agrba (b. 1978)
Oleg Bartsits (b. 1967), running with Adgur Kakoba (b. 1965)
Adgur Khurkhumal (b. 1974), running with Tengiz Kutelia (b. 1976)
The Association of Chechen Volunteers of the 1992–1993 Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia, known as "Wolf Pack," has declared its support for Adgur Ardzinba in the 15 February 2025 presidential elections. In their statement, the association called on all veterans and citizens of Abkhazia to back Ardzinba, expressing hope for elections conducted in mutual respect and contributing to the state's prosperity.
The North Ossetian “Union of Veteran Volunteers of the 1992–1993 Patriotic War” [Georgian-Abkhazian War —Ed.] has called on Abkhaz war veterans to support Adgur Ardzinba in the 15 February 2025 presidential election. They expressed confidence in his commitment to Vladislav Ardzinba’s vision for a sovereign Abkhazia and hope the elections uphold traditions of honour and respect.
The political party "Amtsakhara" held an extraordinary congress in Sukhum to discuss the upcoming early presidential elections. Attendees included MPs, government officials, and local representatives. The congress endorsed Badra Gunba for president and Beslan Bigvava for vice president, with support from parties like "Aitaira," "United Abkhazia," and "People’s Front," as well as civic organisations.
In his address, Gunba thanked the party and veterans for their support, highlighting priorities such as national unity, a strategic partnership with Russia, and tackling domestic challenges through constructive policies.
The Union of Journalists of Abkhazia has issued an appeal ahead of the presidential election, urging media outlets and journalists to adhere to election laws and professional ethics. Signed by Union Chairman Ruslan Khashig, the statement calls for equal media opportunities for all candidates, objectivity, impartiality, and the avoidance of defamatory content. The Union emphasised that responsible journalism is essential for ensuring a fair and civilised election process.
The Russian Interior Ministry in Krasnodar Territory has announced the revocation of Russian citizenship for a “50-year-old man from Abkhazia,” citing actions that threaten national security. His passport was declared invalid and subject to confiscation. The individual is presumed to be Abkhaz opposition leader and former presidential candidate Kan Kvarchia, who was wounded in a parliamentary shooting in December 2024. Kvarchia has not commented on the matter.
Reports suggest the move may be linked to discussions between former Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania and Russian officials about revoking citizenship from opposition figures critical of Russian-Abkhaz relations.
The recent fare increases for public transport in Abkhazia have been deemed unauthorised. The Ministry of Energy and Transport clarified that tariffs for passenger and baggage transportation were established by a Cabinet of Ministers decree on 30 November 2021, which has remained unchanged since its adoption. As a result, any adjustments to these tariffs without official approval are considered unauthorised.
On 15 January, some Sukhum minibus drivers raised fares from 30 to 50 rubles without approval, prompting the Ministry of Energy and Transport to declare the increase unauthorised. Drivers then gathered at the Central Market, refused to work, and demanded higher fares. By 18 January, most drivers in Sukhum had not resumed operations, though a few continued working individually on select routes.
Tatyana Gulia, a former employee of the Abkhazian Embassy in Russia, claimed in a Facebook post that despite former president Aslan Bzhania stepping down, his inner circle continues to divide Abkhazian society.
“The man who was planning to sell off Abkhazia has left, but his entourage, clinging to power, continues attempting to divide our society. Bzhania's claims about anti-Russian, pro-Turkish, and anti-Armenian sentiments continue to be repeated by politicians and pro-government resources. (Editor’s note: These narratives refer to accusations Bzhania has made against the opposition.) Apparently, certain political strategists, clearly not operating within the republic, believe that the people of Abkhazia can be frightened, bought, or set against each other... Sadly, the 'Bzhania & Co.' cooperative continues to operate! Perhaps it's time to shut down this establishment?
P.S. And another thing! According to rumours, in case one of the candidates wins, the former president wants to take the position of Abkhazia's ambassador to Russia... If these are just rumours, we'd like to hear official words of denial from the pro-government candidate.”
— Tatyana Gulia
Presidential candidate Robert Arshba (b. 1974), running with Daut Agrba (b. 1978), emphasised the importance of unity and respect during his campaign. Speaking against the dangers of nationalism, he stated, "We will not allow the virus of nationalism to infiltrate our society."
Arshba highlighted Abkhazia's history of cultural and religious tolerance and recalled the unity displayed during the 1992–1993 Patriotic War, where people of various nationalities fought together for the country’s independence. He stressed that discrimination has no place in Abkhazia and called for mutual respect and solidarity to protect the nation’s future.
Abaza-TV has unveiled its media projects for the presidential election campaign to representatives of all candidates’ headquarters. The channel is offering registered candidates, as of 16 January, opportunities for campaign ads, live and recorded televised discussions, and the broadcast of other promotional materials. General Director Ruslan Khashig outlined the terms under which these election projects will be implemented.
Abkhazia’s energy crisis remains unresolved, with electricity cuts lasting up to six hours daily. On 16 December, lawmakers passed the first reading of a bill banning cryptocurrency mining but have yet to finalise it. Meanwhile, law enforcement has scaled back efforts to combat mining, leading to the resurgence of crypto farms. Energy experts report that over 55,000 mining devices are currently operating in the country, exacerbating the power shortage. Electricity tariffs have also surged by 80%, despite earlier promises to discuss a moratorium.
A memorial event was held in the city of Gal to honour the memory of the children who lost their lives in the 5 January fire in the village of Papynyrkhua. The event was attended by pupils from Gal Secondary School No. 1, along with their parents and teachers. The tragic fire on 5 January claimed the lives of five sisters from the Cholariya family.
Two tankers collided in the Kerch Strait on 15 December, spilling 9,200 tonnes of fuel oil. Roman Dbar, Director of the Institute of Ecology, stated that the spill, 350 kilometres from Abkhazia, poses no threat to its coastline due to winter conditions and sea currents. While Abkhazia’s beaches remain unaffected, the spill has harmed marine life, particularly waterfowl and the Azov dolphin. Dbar noted the ecological impact would have been worse in warmer months.
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