Preliminary results show the acting president of Abkhazia, Vice President Alexander Ankvab polled 51% of votes at presidential elections held on Friday.

Member of Central Election Committee Marina Shanava said the second is Raul Khajimba wth 30-32% of votes, Prime Minister Seregy Shamba polled 16-18%, ITAR-TASS reported.

Snap presidential elections in Abkhazia were called for August 26 after President Sergey Bagapsh passed away.  There are three main candidates: Vice President Alexander Ankvab, Prime Minister Seregy Shamba and chairman of the opposition “Forum of People’s Unity of Abkhazia” party Raul Khajimba.