Career
Before becoming Prime Minister, Lakerbaia was Vice-Premier and First Vice-Premier in the government of President Bagapsh (since 24 February 2005) and he was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 29 June 1995 until 31 July 1996 in the Government of President Ardzinba. Lakerbaia was nominated by the People"s Party to stand in the 1999 Presidential election but was refused registration by the Central Election Commission, allowing President Vladislav Ardzinba to run unopposed for a second term.