Abkhazia is an example of a democratic state, said a famous political scientist and broadcaster Maxim Shevchenko, who was present on the presidential elections in Abkhazia as an observer of the Public Chamber of Russia.

“I can say that I was deeply impressed.

The turnout, in my opinion, by Russian standards, is great.

Civic activity of the people, civil sense of personal responsibility for the fate of the republic are very high.

Abkhazia has become a model of democracy”, - said the broadcaster.

He added that he carefully studied the records at sites, paid attention to the transparent ballot boxes, to the voting booths and made certain recommendations.

“This is an absolutely democratic election, absolute democracy in action, where there is the bitter political struggle, competition between the candidates”, - said Russian political analyst.

Answering the question about how he treats the dramatic claims of some presidential candidates, Shevchenko said that it showed the presence of democracy in the country where there was freedom of speech.

Concerning the possible tensions in society, in case that any of the contenders for the presidency will lose, the expert noted that “he believes in the mind of the Abkhaz people.”

“I think that after the war (the Georgian-Abkhaz 1992-1993) after so many years, the passions have subsided, people have learned to live.

And the claims by some candidates is a democracy, which is based on freedom of expression”, - stated Shevchenko.

The polling stations in Abkhazia were closed at 20.00 Moscow time.

Acting President Alexander Ankvab, the Prime Minister Sergei Shamba and the leader of the opposition party “National Unity Forum of Abkhazia” Khajimba claim the highest office.

According to the CEC of Abkhazia, over 60% of voters voted in the election.

According to unofficial data, currently the Vice President of Abkhazia is leading leader, RIA “Novosti”.