SUKHUM, August 26. /TASS/. Two candidates, Abkhazia’s incumbent President Raul Khadzhimba and leader of the Amtsakhara opposition party Alkhaz Kvitsiniya, have made it to the presidential runoff, which, according to local legislation, has to be held within two weeks, the Abkhaz Central Election Commission informed TASS on Monday.

"Based on the results, Khadzhimba who secured 20,544 votes or 23.85% and Kvitsiniya (18,929 votes or 21.97%) have made it to the runoff," the commission’ Chairman Tamaz Gogia said.

In all, there were nine presidential contenders. Voter turnout stood at over 56% as of 19:30. The election was recognized as valid. Parliament speaker Valery Kvarchiya earlier said that the presidential runoff could take place on September 8.