Abkhazia's Acting Leader Wins Presidential Election, State Media Says
The acting leader of Abkhazia has won a presidential election in the breakaway Georgian region, state media said on Sunday, months after his predecessor was driven from office following protests over an investment deal with Russia. The election result has been met with criticism from Georgia, which claims Abkhazia is part of its territory and views the move as another flagrant violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Acting President Badra Gunba took almost 55% of the vote in Saturday's election, ahead of opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba on just under 42%.
- The disputed outcome highlights the ongoing tensions between Abkhazia and Georgia, with the breakaway region remaining heavily reliant on Russia for economic support.
- How will the international community respond to Abkhazia's declaration of independence, given that only a handful of countries recognize the territory as independent?