OREANDA-NEWS. August 29, 2011. An early presidential election for President of the Republic of Abkhazia was held on Aug. 26. Alexander Ankvab came out the winner, according to preliminary official data released today by the Abkhaz Central Election Commission.

Many international observers present in the republic praised the election process in terms of compliance with democratic standards, and noted the absence of any serious irregularities that could have hindered the free expression of the will of citizens.

Russia welcomes the successful holding of the presidential elections in Abkhazia as an important step on the path of the development of statehood and civil society in that friendly neighboring country. We are set to continue our extensive work to comprehensively strengthen Russian-Abkhaz relations in the interests of our peoples.