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Georgian opposition rallies against presidential election result

TBILISI (GEORGIA): Supporters of Georgian opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze gathered in central Tbilisi on Sunday, protesting against an early result of the presidential election which indicated a victory of former President Mikhail Saakashvili.

At a rally in the Europe Square, Mr. Gachechiladze claimed the exit polls were “false,” saying “No justice, no peace.” He said he and his supports would continue to protest until justice comes.

There were no immediate comments on his accusation from the Saakashvili camp.

“I hope this demonstration could change the result of the election, and the election could enter into the second round of voting,” said Nakhran Beriolze, a 33-year-old marketing manager.

Under Georgian law, a 50 per cent plus one vote will ensure the victory of a candidate. If no candidate wins in the first round, a second round of voting between the top two candidates will follow two weeks later. The candidate who gets more votes in the run-off wins the election.

Polls and early results showed that Mr. Saakashvili is likely to win the country’s presidential election.

Mr. Saakashvili, who swept to power in 2004, called the snap election following clashes between police and protesters last November and then resigned in order to run as a candidate.

“Georgia has serious social and economic problems. Levan could bring more hope for us,” said Godaze Nata who joined the rally with her sister Gogava Nata. She said many of the opposition supporters attending the rally are teachers, artists and doctors.

The opposition charged the government with widespread vote manipulation during presidential polls on Saturday in the former Soviet republic.

Representatives of the opposition said voters had been bussed to polling stations to vote multiple times, and that in some locations official election officers had forced voters to cast their ballot for Mr. Saakashvili.

The Central Election Commission denounced the charges as false. — Xinhua

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