On February 15, early presidential elections will be held in Abkhazia, a region whose status is internationally recognized as part of Georgia. In accordance with Article 8 of the law "On Presidential Elections of the Republic of Abkhazia," the Central Election Commission has released the biographies of the registered presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates

Badra Zurabovich Gunba, a candidate for the presidency, was born on August 14, 1981, in Sukhumi. Of Abkhaz ethnicity, Gunba graduated from Saratov State Agrarian University with a specialization in accounting and auditing and holds a Candidate of Economic Sciences degree. He currently serves as Vice President of the region. Gunba resides at Inal-Ipa Street, number 90, in Sukhumi (since 2022) and holds dual citizenship in Abkhazia and the Russian Federation. He did not participate in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Beslan Vladimirovich Bigvava, his vice-presidential running mate, was born on July 28, 1971, in Tkvarcheli. He graduated from Eastern Ukrainian State University with a focus on automobiles and maintenance. Bigvava currently serves as Head of Administration of the Ochamchira District. He has resided at Leona Street, number 193, in Ochamchira since 2007, holds dual citizenship, and participated in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Adgur Amiranovich Ardzinba, another presidential candidate, was born on January 8, 1982, in Gudauta. He holds a degree in industrial and civil construction from Kabardino-Balkarian State University and is a Candidate of Economic Sciences. Ardzinba chairs the Republican Public Organization "Abkhazian National Movement" and resides on Lakoba Street, number 60, in New Athos (since 2005). He holds dual citizenship and did not participate in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Alkhas Vladimirovich Djindjal, Ardzinba’s vice-presidential candidate, was born on October 6, 1974, in Sukhumi. A graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, Djindjal works as a surgeon at the Sukhumi City Clinical Hospital. He resides at Jonua Street, number 5, apartment 17, in Sukhumi (since 2000). Djindjal participated in the 1992–1993 conflict and was awarded the Medal of Valor.

Oleg Msasovich Bartsyts, also running for the presidency, was born on January 7, 1967, in Gudauta. He graduated from Moscow State University with a specialization in political science and later completed studies in international relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Bartsyts previously served as Trade Representative of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation (until 2024). He resides in Blabyrkhua village, Gudauta District (since 2011), holds dual citizenship, and did not participate in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Adgur Paatovich Kakoba, Bartsyts’ vice-presidential candidate, was born on November 24, 1965, in Atara, Ochamchira District. A philologist and literary studies specialist, Kakoba graduated from Abkhazian State University and is now Deputy Director of the Educational and Scientific Center for Nart Studies and Field Folklore at ASU. He resides on Agumaa Street, number 1, apartment 9, in Sukhumi (since 2008), holds dual citizenship, and participated in the 1992–1993 conflict, receiving the Order of Leon.

Robert Ivanovich Arshba, a presidential candidate, was born on March 22, 1974, in Tkvarcheli. A graduate of Abkhazian State University with a specialization in accounting and auditing, Arshba served as Chairman of the Audit Chamber of the region until 2023. He resides on Babushira Street, number 86, in Babushira village, Gulripshi District (since 2008). He holds dual citizenship and participated in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Daut Valentinovich Agrba, Arshba’s running mate for vice president, was born on October 11, 1978, in Gagra. Agrba holds multiple degrees, including a finance and credit specialization from Abkhazian State University, a law degree from Moscow State Open University, and further qualifications in financial institutions from the Russian Presidential Academy. He is a member of the region’s Public Chamber and resides on Demerjipa Street, number 130A, in Gagra (since 2007). Agrba holds dual citizenship and did not participate in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Adgur Vadimovich Khurkhumal, another candidate for the presidency, was born on August 24, 1982, in Tkvarcheli. He graduated from Maykop State Technological University with a focus on economics and enterprise management. Khurkhumal serves as Chairman of the Board of the Black Sea Development Bank (LLC). He resides on Cherkesskaya Street, number 18, in Sukhumi (since 2024). He holds dual citizenship and did not participate in the 1992–1993 conflict.

Tengiz Sardionovich Kutelia, Khurkhumal’s vice-presidential candidate, was born on March 5, 1971, in Tamish, Ochamchira District. An agronomist by training, Kutelia graduated from Stavropol State Agrarian University. A retired colonel, he participated in the 1992–1993 conflict. He resides at Fifth Highway Drive, number 27, in Sukhumi (since 2007) and holds dual citizenship.