Initiative group nominates Sergey Shamba as Abkhazia's presidential candidate

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia has registered the initiative group to nominate acting Prime Minister Sergey Shamba as a presidential candidate. The initiative group consists of 23 members, representatives from all areas of the country.

On June 28 the initiative group for nominating a presidential candidate Raul Khadjimba, the opposition leader, was registered, on June 29 – the one for nominating Vice President Alexander Ankvab was registered.

Nomination of candidates started on June 27 and would continue till July 17. Presidential election will be held in Abkhazia on August 26. They are conducted early because of the death of President Sergey Bagapsh.

To be the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, a citizen of Abkhazia, fluent in the official language, at least 35 and no older than 65 years old, eligible to vote, and permanently residing in the territory of Abkhazia for at least the last 5 years prior to election day, may be elected. The President of the Republic of Abkhazia shall be elected for a term of 5 years. The same person may be in the position of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia no more than two consecutive terms.

Together with the President of the Republic of Abkhazia the Vice President shall be elected. The candidacy of the Vice President of the Republic of Abkhazia is to be offered by a presidential candidate.