Abkhazia's incumbent President Sergei Bagapsh who won Saturday's presidential elections in the former Georgian republic said on Sunday his inauguration would take place on February 12 next year.
Abkhazia held on Saturday its first presidential election since Russia recognized its independence in August 2008 after a brief war with Georgia. The winning candidate was required to win a majority of 50% plus one vote.
According to preliminary official results announced by the Abkhazian Central Election Commission, Bagapsh secured 59.4% of the vote, almost four times more than second-placed Raul Khadzimba with 15.4%.
Shipping director Zaur Ardzinba received 10.8%, opposition leader Beslan Butba 7.9% and independent candidate Vitaly Bganba 1.5%, the Central Election Commission said.
"The entire [inauguration] procedure will be very modest, quick and without any pomp," Bagapsh said.
Sixty-year-old Bagapsh has been president of the former Georgian republic since January 2005. In his election campaign he pledged to focus on the development of the Abkhaz economy, improve living standards and raise wages. He also said that in its foreign policy Abkhazia would continue strengthening political and economic ties with Russia.
Abkhazia's re-elected president said Abkhazia intended to implement some large-scale economic projects with Russia, including exploration works on the seabed of the Black Sea, a project to build a gas pipeline from the Russian city of Tuapse to Sukhumi and arrange railway and air communication.
SUKHUMI, December 13 (RIA Novosti)
