22:00, 27 August 2011

Abkhazian CEC declares Alexander Ankvab's victory at presidential election

Press conference of Alexander Ankvab, August 27, 2011, Abkhazia, Sukhumi. Photo by the "Caucasian Knot"

Alexander Ankvab became the third president of Abkhazia. He won the presidential election in the republic by gathering 54.86% of votes, as reported by Batal Tabagua, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia.

According to his story, Alexander Ankvab's rivals fell far short of him. Thus, Raul Khadjimba got 19.83% of votes, and Sergey Shamba – 21.04%, said the CEC chairman.

No violations of public order were registered by the CEC. The voter turnout was 71.92%.

As stated by Mr Ankvab, the elected President of Abkhazia, today, the presidential election in the republic was tense; however, it managed to prove that the country is advancing along the democratic way.

According to his story, the election outcome is a good signal for the European community that Abkhazia is developing democratically. "Hope Europe will take in into account," he said.

Georgia, NATO and EU refused to recognize the outcome of the Abkhazian presidential election, because they initially considered the election as such illegitimate.

Author: Angela Kuchuberia

Source: CK correspondent