Presidential Election

Today, Abkhazia held an election to replace Sergey Bagapsh, who died in office on May 29.  I went to several polling stations and saw observers of many nationalities.  It was reported that as many as 80 nations would be represented.  I spoke to representatives from France, Russia and several nations in the Asia-Pacific region.  They were all impressed with the degree of organization and voter participation.  There were no irregularities in their observations.  The polls just closed moments ago and results are expected by midnight local time.  

Abkhazia's citizens clearly enjoy their deomcratic rights and the nation is engaged, but calm.

Voters and Journalists at Polling Station- Sukhum

 

Traffic near polling station- Sukhum 

 

Voters, Electiion Observers and Election Officials- Novy Afon