Acting Abkhaz president says will stand in presidential election

SUKHUM. Dec 23 (Interfax) - Acting Abkhaz President Badra Gunba has said he will be running for president on February 15, 2025.

"Dear compatriots, as you know the Central Elections Commission has registered a campaign group nominating me for president of Abkhazia. I have decided to stand in the election of February 15, 2025," Gunba said in his address to the nation.

He asked participants in the presidential campaign to honor the law, respect the people, and demonstrate high political culture.

"Any activity that breaks the law and damages society and the state of Abkhazia must be firmly put to a stop," Gunba said, urging everyone to stay united and work to the benefit of the people of Abkhazia.

It is crucial not to harm relations with Abkhazia's allies, Gunba said. "There are not many of them. The main one is the Russian Federation," he said.

The solution to most of the country's priority socioeconomic development tasks will be linked to a strategic partner, Russia, which has been providing invaluable assistance and support to Abkhazia for decades, Gunba said.

"Over 200 intergovernmental and interstate agreements lay a solid foundation for our further development and achievement of long-term goals. We must use these opportunities to strengthen our state, preserve our ethnos, and achieve a quality improvement in the wellbeing of our citizens," Gunba said. He said everyone must work hard together.