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Abkhazia referendum declared void due to low turnout

Now the opposition may initiate such vote on the same issue not earlier than in two years

SUKHUM, July 11. /TASS/. The voter turnout at Abkhazia’s referendum on whether to hold early presidential elections totaled a mere 1.23%, and the plebiscite was declared void in line with the law, Central Election Commission chairman Batal Tabagua said after a preliminary ballot count.

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"Voter turnout at the referendum totaled 1.23%, or 1,628 people; a total of 46.07%, or 750 people, voted for early elections; 46.74%, or 761 people, voted against. A total of 117 ballots have been recognized invalid," Tabagua said.

"Overall, 132,887 people were included in vote lists. The referendum has been declared void," he said.

Now the opposition may initiate such vote on the same issue not earlier than in two years.

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