Polls for snap presidential election open in Abkhazia

Polls have opened in Abkhazia; a snap presidential election is taking place in the country, RIA Novosti writes.

Five candidates are vying for the presidency: prominent Abkhazian politician Badra Gunba, former trade representative in Russia Oleg Bartsyts, former Head of the Republic’s Audit Chamber Robert Arshba, opposition figure Adgur Ardzinba, and President of the Black Sea Development Bank Adgur Khurkhumal.

According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), 152 polling stations have been set up across Abkhazia, with two additional stations in Russia—one in Moscow and another in Cherkessk. A total of 134,000 voters are registered in the main electoral roll.

Preliminary results of the election are expected to be announced on Feb. 16.