Abkhazia registers initiative group backing Shamba for president

The Central Electoral Commission of Abkhazia has registered an
initiative group promoting 60-year old Prime Minister Sergey Shamba
for president, RIA Novosti reports.

Two initiative groups were registered. The Forum of People's Unity of
Abkhazia supports Abkhaz Vice-Premier of 2003-2004 and Vice-President
of 2005-2009 Raul Hajimba. The second supports Acting President
Alexander Ankvab.

Shamba's group consists of 23 people.

The second Abkhaz President Sergey Bagapsh died on May 31, aged 62.
Elections were set for August 26. Candidate introduction will end on
July 17.