16 Sep 2019 | 09:10 AM UTC
Georgia: Opposition protest planned in Sukhum September 17 /update 1
Protests to denounce electoral commission conclusion on recent election in Abkhazia to take place in Sukhum on September 17; transportation disruptions to be expected
Event
Supporters of opposition presidential candidate Alkhas Kvitsiniya have called for a protest in Sukhum (Abkhazia) on Tuesday, September 17, to oppose the electoral commission's election results. Participants are scheduled to gather at 11:00 (local time) and though a location was not announced, they are likely to gather outside the High Court, which will be hosting a court hearing on annulling the election results.
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions around the protest are to be expected. Additional protests are likely in the coming days and weeks.
Context
The first round of the presidential elections in Abkhazia took place on August 26; Raul Khajimba secured 24.83 percent of the vote, while Alkhas Kvitsiniya has gained 21.91 percent. The runoff election took place on September 8, in which the incumbent, President Raul Khadzhimba, won the election with 47 percent of the vote to opposition candidate Alkhas Kvitsiniya's 46 percent, and a turnout of 66 percent of the population.
Advice
Individuals in Abkhazia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate associated political protests leading up to elections and heightened security measures, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and home governments.
