Khadzhimba wins Abkhaz presidential election with 50.57% of vote
SUKHUMI. Aug 25 (Interfax) - The Abkhaz Central Elections Commission has announced Raul Khadzhimba as winner of the presidential race.
"We can report the following as regards the August 24 vote, the presidential election held in Abkhazia consistent with the elections law: Khadzhimba has won a majority of votes, 50,494 (50.57%)," Central Elections Commission Chairman Batal Tabagua told reporters.
His main rival, Aslan Bzhania, gained 35.91% of the vote.
Hence, Khadzhimba won the election in the first round.
Another two presidential candidates, Mirab Kishmaria and Leonid Dzapshba, won 6.40% and 3.40% of the vote, respectively.
"Considering these results, R. Khadzhimba is tentatively declared the President Elect of the Republic of Abkhazia," the Central Elections Commission chairman indicated.
He underscored that the final results would be announced on Monday. All members of the Central Elections Commission congratulate the winner, he said.
Although ballot papers did not have an option "against all candidates", citizens of the republic could use that right by crossing out every candidate. The option was chosen by 1,868 persons (1.87%) and 1,851 ballot papers were declared invalid.
The voter turnout stood at 70%. In all, the republic has 142,664 voters and 99,869 of them have taken part in the ballot.
