Baku Does Not Recognize Elections in Breakaway Abkhazia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan released a statement yesterday about the parliamentary elections, held on Sunday in Georgia’s occupied region of Abkhazia. According to the statement, the Republic of Azerbaijan does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and consequently, will not recognize the parliamentary elections held in Abkhazia on March 12, 2017 or their results.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan believes that it is necessary to continue negotiations for peaceful resolution of Abkhazia issue in compliance with the norms and principles of international law,” the statement of the Azerbaijani MFA reads.

The elections in occupied Abkhazia were held to elect the 35 members of National Assembly from total 137 candidates. Only locals, who held Abkhazian passports were able to take part in the elections.

The Central Election Commission of Abkhazia reported yesterday that only 12 candidates managed to win in the elections and the run-offs will be held two weeks later in 22 single-mandate constituencies, where no candidate gained 50 percent of votes. Run-off elections will also be held in one district of Gudauta region, where the candidates failed to win necessary votes.

Excepting Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru, the international community recognizes Abkhazia as an integral part of Georgia.

By Thea Morrison