 He won a 25.35% plurality in the first round over six other candidates and defeated Akhra Abukhba in the run-off.Kobakhia had been nominated by the opposition Forum for the National Unity of Abkhazia and became one of four of its eleven candidates to be elected to the 35-member Parliament.On 16 August 2016, Kobakhia entered the Government of President Khajimba when he was appointed as one of three Vice Premiers and Minister for Internal Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Beslan Bartsits.