Voting in presidential elections finishes in Abkhazia

Voting in residential elections has finished in the semi-recognized republic of Abkhazia at 8 p.m. Moscow Time, RIA Novosti recently reported.

According to tentative preliminary information, 70 per cent of voters cast ballots. The elections were declared valid, as Abkhaz law requires only 50 per cent of voters to take part.

The pre-term presidential elections in Abkhazia are being held due to former president Sergey Bagapsh's death. Three people are in the running for the presidency. They are acting president Alexander Ankvab, prime minister Sergei Shamba and opposition leader Raul Khadzhimba.