Level of tension was significantly lower compared with the elections of 2004
Only a few hours are left before the counting of votes in the Abkhaz elections. At the moment only one thing is clear - the voter turnout will be high enough. In addition, the level of tension, in terms of the struggle between the major candidates, was significantly lower compared with the elections of 2004, when the country was almost on the verge of an armed conflict between the main candidates for power.
It is also important that all three presidential candidates come from the same political niche, and therefore there are no great differences in the candidates’ election programs. They express the same ideas but use different words.
Therefore, the potential outsider Raul Khajimba lays emphasis on the social program and promises if he wins to authorize payments to the amount of 50 thousand rubles for each newborn child.
Sergei Shamba has promised to increase pensions by 20 percent, and allocate funds to farmers for the purchase of agricultural machinery, as well as attract tourists from Europe.
Alexander Ankvab also has stressed the importance of improving electricity infrastructure projects, and building new orchards.
For those who have not been to Sukhumi for a long time, the image of the resort town has not changed much; even during the election campaign very few campaign posters were present in town, which clearly corresponds to the mentality of the Abkhazians, who are used to trust not the words, but the deeds of potential candidates.
Likewise, the black PR that has been used against Alexander Ankvab hardly played into the hands of the commissioners of this simple political technology. I have in mind the publication of a scandalous interview by Tengiz Kitovani, which was replicated in the media and had a great impact on the Abkhaz youth. In terms of the older generation, such moves are categorically unacceptable. But because the staff of Sergei Shamba was accused of initiating the black PR, it is clear that this story did not have a favorable impact on the relationships between the candidates.
Undoubtedly, Russia will accept any outcome of the elections, especially since all three candidates will, in one way or another, develop a strategic partnership with Russia. The most important thing is to preserve stability in the country. But this is entirely dependent on the extent to which the major candidates are able to adhere to the rules of fair play. We do not have to wait long, since voting stations will be closed within a few hours and the winner will need to collect 75 thousand votes in his favor. Will any of the candidates pass the threshold, or we will have a second round? There are no experts who would attempt to give a categorical answer to this question.
Alexei Vlasov, Moscow
