Runoff Election Set in Abkhazia's Presidential Vote

The presidential election in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, has resulted in no clear winner, necessitating a runoff between acting President Badra Gunba and opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba, scheduled for March 1. Gunba secured approximately 46% of the votes while Ardzinba obtained around 37%, with a voter turnout of 69%. The election was triggered by mass protests against the former president, Aslan Bzhania, primarily over a controversial investment deal with Russia. Gunba, who has been backed by Moscow, took over as acting president after Bzhania's resignation amid public outcry. Ardzinba, a former economy minister and critic of Russian influence, is seen as a representative of those opposing the investment agreement. The international community largely does not recognize Abkhazia's independence, complicating its political landscape.