Pro-Russian politician Badra Gunba has won the runoff presidential election in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, securing 54.73% of the vote against opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba who secured 41.54%, the separatist election commission announced late on Oct. 11.
The election, which took place amid intensifying fears about Moscow’s sway, follows a few months of turmoil that saw the unseating of pro-Kremlin leader Aslan Bzhania last November after a contentious Russian investment bill.
Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately congratulated Gunba, describing the result as an “expression of free popular will of people of Abkhazia” But Tbilisi has called the election illegitimate, insisting that Abkhazia is Georgian land under international law. 
The second round vote on March 2 was marked by violence, as masked men stormed a polling station briefly halting voting. Russia has opened an inquiry into alleged attacks on Russian voters on the eve of the election.
Gunba, a former vice president, acting leader seen as Moscow favourite has made trips to Russia for talks before vote. His opponent, Ardzinba, a former economy minister, supported protesters who overthrew Bzhania but keeps an allegiance to Russia.
The poll highlights the treacherous politics of Abkhazia, where pro-Russian leaders have faced pressure to keep the peace at home and outside as international criticism mounts.
