The Law on the Public Chamber of Abkhazia took effect on January 1, 2007, and the first session of the Public Chamber was opened by President Bagapsh on July 20.
The purposes of the Public Chamber are to: The Public Chamber is composed of 35 members drawn from civil society, 13 of whom are nominated by the president, 11 by local administrations; and 11 by political parties and social movements.
Other members include the rector of the Abkhazian State University, Aleko Gvaramia; the writers Alexei Gogoi and Daur Nachkebia; and former Prime Minister Sokrat Jinjolia.
On 29 October 2013, Natella Akaba was reelected Secretary, while former Prime Minister Viacheslav Tsugba and Valeri Ardzinba were elected Deputy Chairmen.
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