1991 Abkhazian Supreme Soviet election explained

Supreme Soviet elections were held in Abkhazia on 29 September 1991, with a second round on 14 October. A third round was held in twelve constituencies where voter turnout had been below the 50% threshold on 1 December.[1]

Electoral system

The 65 seats in the Supreme Soviet were allocated to different ethnic groups; 28 were reserved for Abkhazians, 26 for Georgians and 11 for the other ethnic groups.[2]

Aftermath

The Supreme Soviet was only able to approve legislation in some areas of policy with a 75% majority. Following the elections, the bloc of Georgian representatives repeatedly rejected decisions, and in June 1992, began boycotting the Soviet.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Tim Potier (2001) Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia: A Legal Appraisal p18
  2. Bruno Coppieters (1996) Contested Borders in the Caucasus VUB Press
  3. Potter, p11