Tbilisi view on elections in Abkhazia

Presidential elections in Abkhazia were held on August 26 – the day of recognition of the republic’s independence by Russia. The date for elections wasn’t accidentally chosen. The Abkhazian political elite one more time confirmed that the main partner and ally for them is Russia. According to some experts, traditions of elections in the former Soviet Union territory have been followed: the winner has the biggest administrative resource. The vice-president Alexander Ankvab has had this resource. His main competitor, Sergey Shamba, took his position a short time ago, and the position of the foreign minister doesn’t guarantee influence on the inner political processes. Shamba seemed to count on his image and close connection to the first president of Abkhazia, deceased Vladislav Ardzinba, who remains a symbol of independence for the Abkhazians.

Shamba’s mistake is his hope that romantic ideas never fade. However, separation from Georgia has already taken place. Now the Abkhazian society shifted to other problems, i.e. development of economy, fight against corruption, and improvement of law enforcement. Ankvab seems to cope with these issues better than Shamba.

One of the leaders of Georgian refugees from Abkhazia, the former chairman of the Supreme Council of Abkhazian autonomy, Timur Mzhavia, commented for VK on Ankvab’s win and prospects of Georgian Abkhazian relations.

-          Mr. Mzhavia, some people in Georgia count on Ankvab, as he has been living and working in Tbilisi for a long time. Do you think it is justified?

-          The fact Alexander Ankvab has been living and working in Tbilisi means nothing. In that time Abkhazia was a Georgian autonomy. A man who searched for a work could find it in Tbilisi. I know Ankvab very well. I can say that he is a qualified professional of principles. He is a man of firm views and strict, when he deals with protection of his values. As for his views, they have nothing in common with interests of Georgia. It is proved by time and experience. Opinion that Ankvab is the most acceptable variant among three candidates for Georgia is only illusion. All three have one idea – separation of Abkhazia from Georgia. I believe that no positive changes in relations between Georgia and Abkhazia will take place. Moreover, Abkhazia is under control of Russia in strategic point of view, and Moscow won’t let any changes, even if someone in Sukhumi wants it.

-          Is criticism of Ankvab that he maybe cooperated with the Georgian authorities during the war justified?

-          There is no evidence confirming this statement. During the war Ankvab participated in the processes of exchange by captives, saving lives and so on. This is a positive page in his biography. And we are talking about political views and tendencies. In this context Ankvab is an earnest supporter of separation of Abkhazia from Georgia.

-          Then why did Ardzinba initiate a criminal case against Ankvab in 1993, and why did he have to leave Abkhazia and stay in Russia for 10 years?

-          First of all, there is no evidence that a criminal case (on betrayal) was really initiated against Ankvab. We studied it, but no confirmation was found. It is true that he had to leave for Moscow for a long time, but the reason is political competition: Ardzinba saw Ankvab as a strong and dangerous political rival. Ankvab was respected by the Abkhazians. He decided to leave, started his own business, accumulated resources, including financial resources, and got back in a right moment.

-          Shamba has been a symbol of the movement for independence for Abkhazia. He is thought to have been the closest supporter of Ardzinba. How can you explain his devastating defeat?

-          It is easy to explain. Idea of independency of Abkhazia, I mean statehood in general, is devalued in the Abkhazian society. Shamba is a man of a devalued idea, as it appeared that dependence from Russia is acceptable for the Abkhazians. Ankvab hasn’t been associated with the war and though to be Moscow’s protégé. He came from Moscow in all senses.

Society always searches for something new. Ankvab appeared to be new, at least in comparison with Shamba, who represents values and priorities of the past. However, Ankvab cannot change the direction of integration with Russia. He has to agree with the main demand of his partners – free purchase and sale of property in Abkhazia for the citizens of Russia. In other case his fate will be sad, notwithstanding his strong principles and values.

Interview by Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to VK.