After mass protests in temporarily occupied Abkhazia, which were related to the investment agreement that, according to the de facto government, aimed at attracting large Russian investments, early presidential elections have been called in Abkhazia. The investment agreement allowed Russian companies to invest in agriculture, processing, tourism and infrastructure development. The Abkhazian public was mainly dissatisfied with point 5, which, according to the opponents, put local business in a disadvantageous situation. Despite the objection of the population, the Russian Federation exerted pressure on the puppet regime to ensure the ratification of the agreement, although this attempt turned out unsuccessful. After continuous protests, Bzhania resigned and the so-called elections were scheduled for February 15, 2025. According to initial information, three candidates have expressed their desire to run in the elections: Aslan Bzhania (the so-called ex-president); Adgur Ardzinba (the leading opposition figure and a member of the Khajimba clan); and Omar Bartsits (the former trade representative of the de facto government of Abkhazia in Russia).

However, on December 14, Interfax reported that Aslan Bzhania had withdrawn his candidacy. The information was confirmed by the so-called presidential administration, after which a new candidate was named. Bzhania was replaced by Badra Gunba, who is currently acting as the so-called president of Abkhazia. Badra Gunba is considered the main competitor of Adgur Ardzinba, meaning that the main battle in the elections will be held between these two candidates.

Badra Gunba was born on August 14, 1981 in Sokhumi. His education and a significant part of his career are connected with Russia. In 2003, he graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the N.I. Saratov State Vavilov Agrarian University, defended his thesis in 2007 and received the title of Candidate of Economic Sciences. Gunba's political career began in 2009, when he was appointed the so-called deputy minister of culture of Abkhazia. In 2011-2014, he held the post of de facto minister of culture. The decisive stage of his active political life was the 2020 elections, when Gunba became the so-called vice-president together with Aslan Bzhania's team. However, the November 2024 protests, which led to the resignation of Aslan Bzhania, opened up new opportunities for Gunba – he has been appointed acting president.

Badra Gunba’s current political position is closely linked to Aslan Bzhania’s influence, which has led to mixed reactions in Abkhazian society. Opponents see him as a “direct conduit of Bzhania’s interests.” However, he has a significant advantage – the support of two so-called ex-presidents, Aslan Bzhania and Alexander Ankvab. Although Badra Gunba is not a new figure in Abkhazian politics, his prospects largely depend on the quality of the pre-election campaign and the support from the Kremlin, which is a key factor determining the political reality in Abkhazia.

The illegitimate early presidential elections, which will be held on February 15, 2025, will be a critical moment for Badra Gunba to strengthen his political position. Despite enjoying strong support, he will have his main battle with oppositionist Adgur Ardzinba.

Although the crisis situation seemed to be defused by the appointment of the so-called new presidential elections in Abkhazia, on December 19, a confrontation between deputies in the so-called parliament building of Abkhazia ended in casualties. According to reports, de facto deputy Adgur Kharazia shot and wounded oppositionists Kan Kvarchia and Vakhtang Golandzia. The latter died from his injuries, while Kan Kvarchia is in an intensive care unit.