2016, United Abkhazia held its sixth congress, which was attended by 375 delegates. It elected MP and former Prime Minister Sergei Shamba as its Chairman, as well as MP Robert Yaylyan, jurist Viktor Vasiliev and Dato Kajaia as Deputy Chairmen and 43 members of its political council. It was said in the sidelines of the congress that Tarba had stepped down so as to make room for his long-time friend Shamba. During the congress, some speakers criticised the government and on 9 February, United Abkhazia announced that it was leaving the Coordinating Council of Political Parties and Public Organisations, claiming that its role had been marginalised by the government. United Abkhazia proceeded to initiate, together with the Party for the Economic Development of Abkhazia, the Council for the National Unity of the Republic of Abkhazia, uniting political forces neither pro-government nor pro-opposition, which was formally established on 29 February. On 8 July 2016, United Abkhazia signed a cooperation agreement with South Ossetian party United Ossetia. On 5 December 2016, United Abkhazia's political council deliberated about the confrontation between the government and the opposition, and in particular Amtsakhara's call for President Raul Khajimba to resign by 15 December. A proposal by Gagra party branch Head Teimuraz Khishba to call upon Khajimba to resign to reduce tension received support only from the party's Deputy Chairman Data Kajaia and Gudauta party branch Head Vitali Jenia. Khishba subsequently resigned as party branch head. Election results Presidential Parliamentary References Political parties in Abkhazia 2004 establishments in Abkhazia Political parties established in 2004 Social conservative parties Republican parties