Polls are open for a critical election

Polls opened at 8 a.m. local time for voting in Georgia’s parliamentary elections.

Today’s elections were preceded by a contentious, confrontational campaign—this vote is not just a political competition, but a stress test for Georgian democracy.

Voting has not been entirely smooth. The ruling party and the opposition are trading accusations of misbehavior at a scattering of polling stations. And tragically, a man was shot dead in western Georgia. Police say it was not election related; an opposition leader claimed the victim was a party activist on his way to vote.

We’ll be bringing you up-to-the-minute election coverage, day and night. Our reporters are on the move, offering a trustworthy local perspective on this crucial day.

Keep reading.