An international expert stated that the elections in Abkhazia were transparent and open

Early presidential elections in Abkhazia are being held as transparently and democratically as possible. An international expert Salvatore Chittadino told a correspondent of Izvestia on February 15.

Electoral experts, including those from European countries, are observing the observance of electoral norms.

"We observe that the electoral process here is more transparent, open, democratic. This was a surprise for us. Unlike many Western countries, the process here was more open and transparent," Chittadino assessed the voting process.

There are 152 polling stations in the republic. The most numerous in terms of the number of voters are located in Sukhum. In Russia, polling stations are open in Moscow and Cherkessk.

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On February 15 polling stations for the presidential election opened in Abkhazia. Former vice-president of the republic Badra Gunba, ex-economy minister Adgur Ardzinba, former trade representative of Abkhazia in Russia Oleg Bartsits, former chairman of the republic's control chamber Robert Arshba and chairman of the board of the Black Sea Development Bank Adgur Hurkhumal are registered candidates.