Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia votes for president

breakaway Georgian republic of Abkhazia is holding a presidential election Sunday to replace leer who stepped down in January under pressure from opposition.

Raul Khzhimba resigned as president in January, days after demonstrators seized his office to protest alleged violations in September’s election in which Khzhimba won a second five-year term.

Khzhimba initially denounced move as a coup attempt, but submitted his resignation “for sake of peace and stability.” He acted after Russian President Vlimir Putin’s aide, Vlislav Surkov, arrived in capital, Sukhumi, to help mediate conflict.

With a population of about 250,000, Abkhazia is recognized as a sovereign state only by Russia and a handful of or countries.

Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in early 1990s as Soviet Union collapsed. last of Georgia's troops were driven out in a brief 2008 war with Russia, and Moscow has tightened its control over lush Black Sea province and a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia.

region's parliament named prime minister Valery Bganba as caretaker president.

Three candidates are on ballot, with opposition leer Aslan Bzhania seen as likely winner.

(image credit: AP)