Former de facto president of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, has expressed his intention to participate in the upcoming so-called presidential elections. He made this statement in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS.
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“I will definitely take part in the political life of Abkhazia. I know that my team and I will participate in the elections. I will nominate myself,” Bzhania said.
He noted that the events in Abkhazia, which ultimately led to his resignation, “seriously damaged the image of the state.”
“The elections are a measure of truth. The results will reveal who the population supports,” Aslan Bzhania said.
The so-called early presidential elections in occupied Abkhazia are scheduled to take place in the coming months. The de facto parliament will discuss the election date this week. As is known, Adgur Ardzinba, one of the opposition leaders, will be the presidential candidate of five public political organizations.
Protests in occupied Abkhazia began on November 15, with opposition representatives and their supporters gathering in front of the so-called parliament in Sukhumi. They demanded the rejection of the “investment agreement” signed with Russia and the resignation of Bzhania. Protesters occupied the buildings of the de facto parliament, presidential administration, and cabinet of ministers. In response to the developments, Aslan Bzhania left Sukhumi. Representatives of the de facto government characterised the opposition's actions as a “coup d’état.” On the evening of November 18, face-to-face negotiations took place between representatives of the so-called government and the opposition, resulting in an agreement that Bzhania would resign, and the opposition would vacate the government buildings. On November 19, during an extraordinary session of the de facto parliament, 28 deputies supported the issue of Bzhania’s resignation. As per the agreement, Vice Prime Minister Badra Gunba will serve as acting president until the early presidential elections. He dismissed Alexander Ankvab from the post of prime minister and appointed Valery Bganba in his place.
