Abkhazia, the largely-disputed territory in Georgia and Russia’s periphery, will hold Presidential elections on August 26. The elections were called for after Sergei Bagapsh, then President, died after surgery complications on May 29.
Though Abkhazia is recognized as an independent state by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru and Vanuatu, a vast majority of the international community consider it to be a part of Georgia’s territory.
The three presidential candidates, acting-President Aleksandr Ankvab, Sergei Shamba and Raul Khadjimba have signed a formal pledge to ensure free and fair elections and if elected, will hold office for a period of five years.
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