Early presidential elections will be held in occupied Abkhazia on February 15, 2025. The relevant decision was made after Aslan Bzhania resigned amid protests in Sokhumi. Three candidates are expected to run in the presidential elections: Aslan Bzhania, Oleg Bartsits (former so-called trade representative of Abkhazia to Russia) and oppositionist Adgur Ardzinba. Until the so-called elections, former vice-president Badra Gunba will serve as the acting president of the de facto republic, while former parliament speaker Valery Bganba has been appointed as the prime minister.

After the confrontation between the so-called government and the opposition, which began as a result of the investment agreement with Russia, Aslan Bzhania resigned, although he is running again in the presidential elections and is actively involved in the election marathon. "I will definitely participate in the political life of Abkhazia. I know that we will run in the elections, my team will run in the elections. I will put forward my candidacy," he declared. Bzhania criticized the opposition and noted that the future of Abkhazia largely depended on "fair, neighbourly and mutually beneficial relations with Russia."

Adgur Ardzinba can be considered Aslan Bzhania's main competitor. He represents the Khajimba clan. Adgur Ardzinba is the youngest "presidential" candidate in the history of Abkhazia, having received 35.42% of the vote in the illegitimate 2020 presidential elections. In 2015-2019, he was the minister of economy in the de facto government of Abkhazia, and in 2019-2020, he held the post of vice prime minister.

There is scant information in open sources about Oleg Bartsits, who has been working in Russia since 1985. He studied at the Faculty of Political Science of Moscow State University; In 2005, he was appointed the head of the representative office of the so-called government of occupied Abkhazia in Russia for investment policy issues. A few years later, in 2010, he was appointed trade representative of Abkhazia to Russia. “Yes, it’s not a secret. My friend, my co-fighter, a person I respect and share views with, Adgur Kakoba, and I have decided to register as candidates for the positions of president and vice-president of the republic of Abkhazia within the time frame established by law," he said.

Bartsits is positioning himself in these elections as the "third force". Part of the population is concerned about the fact that he had not been seen on the political scene for a long time, and later he showed up as a third alternative. Bartsits openly criticized the draft law on apartments and investments, noting that Russian investments were necessary for the development of Abkhazia, although this should serve common interests. His statements were not distinguished by rigidity. He often mentions that Russia is the main guarantor of Abkhazia's security and stability and a reliable partner that fulfills its obligations.

Oleg Bartsits does not have a rigid attitude towards Georgia and notes that the current Georgian authorities are distinguished by a more pragmatic and “national” policy. He demands from the Georgian government to fulfill its obligation not to use force and repeal the law on occupation.