Following an invitation from the authorities of the Republic of Abkhazia to observe the 24 August 2014 early presidential elections, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization deployed an Election Observation Mission to the largely unrecognised Black Sea state from 22 to 26 August. The findings of this mission will be presented by the mission delegates to Members of the European Parliament, media and civil society actors. In addition Artur Gaguliya of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia and Maurice Bonnot, a retired French diplomat, will contribute to the discussion on Abkhazia’s democratic experience and the challenges faced by unrecognised states.

Early presidential elections were announced to take place in Abkhazia, following demonstrations in late May, which ultimately led to the resignation of then incumbent president Aleksandr Ankvab. The holding of peaceful elections in a manner that is largely free of dispute as to procedure and result, is an important part of the development of Abkhazia’s democratic experience, which, due to the official policies of non-recognition by the Council of Europe, European Union, OSCE and others,  has not received much international attention. In light of this, UNPO’s EOM report aims at providing European officials and policy makers with objective information regarding the current perspectives for democracy and the rule of law in Abkhazia.

The event will take place on Tuesday, 4 November 2014 from 16:00 to 18:00 at Joszef Antall, Room 6Q1 in the European Parliament.

To register for this event, please click here and submit the required information.