Presidential run-off begins in Abkhazia

The second round of presidential elections has begun in Abkhazia. The candidates vying for the leadership of the state are former Vice President Badra Gunba, who secured 46.38% of the vote in the first round on Feb. 15, and former Deputy Prime Minister Adgur Ardzinba, who polled 36.92%.

Polls across the republic will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moscow time. Two polling stations have opened in Russia—one in Moscow and another in Cherkessk.

According to Dmitry Marshan, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, a candidate is considered elected in the second round if they receive more votes than their opponent, taking into account both the total number of votes cast and those marked “against all candidates.”

The runoff election is deemed valid if at least 25% of eligible voters cast ballots. The voter registry includes 143,960 people.

To remind, the first round of elections took place on Feb. 15.