On September 10, 2019, Vladimir Putin, President of Russian Federation, congratulated Raul Khajimba, acting de facto President, on winning illegitimate elections in Abkhazia. 

According to de facto Central Electoral Commission, Khajimba received 39 793 votes in the second round, while Alkhas Kvitsinia,  opposition party „Amtsakhara“ candidate – 38 766. The second round was held on September 8.