2004 Abkhazian presidential election

2004 Abkhazian presidential election

← 1999 3 October 2004 2005 →

Nominee Sergei Bagapsh Raul Khajimba Sergei Shamba Party United Abkhazia FNUA Independent Running mate Stanislav Lakoba Vitali Smyr Vladimir Arshba Popular vote 43,336 30,815 5,993 Percentage 51.31% 36.49% 7.10%

President before election Vladislav Ardzinba Independent Elected President Election results annulled Vladislav Ardzinba becomes interim president

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Presidential elections were held in Abkhazia on 3 October 2004, the first that were competitive. Election law prohibited incumbent President Vladislav Ardzinba from running for a third term and he instead backed Prime Minister Raul Khadjimba, who also enjoyed support from the Russian authorities. Khadjimba's main opponent was Sergei Bagapsh, who was supported by the two major opposition parties, United Abkhazia and Amtsakhara, and later also by Aitaira when their candidate Alexander Ankvab was barred from running in a controversial decision by the Central Election Commission.

Bagapsh won in the first round with just over 50% of the vote. However, the results of the elections were heavily contested, with Khadjimba claiming that he had received the most votes and that a run-off was necessary. The Central Election Commission issued several conflicting rulings and the stand-off lasted for two months until on 5 December, Bagapsh and Khadjimba agreed to share power as President and Vice President respectively.