Representatives of 18 countries to monitor elections in Abkhazia

More than 80 representatives of 18 countries will monitor presidential elections in Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reports.

Preterm presidential elections in Abkhazia are going to be held on August 26, 2011 due to President Bagaph's death. Alexander Ankvab, Raul Khadzhimba and Sergay Shamba are running for presidency.

Representatives of Russia, South Ossetia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Poland, Switzerland, and others are going to monitor the elections.

Abkhazia is recognized as an independent state by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru and Vanuatu.