tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47844159038136462242011-09-01T14:08:58.928+04:00Live news updates and expert analysis from the Republic of Georgia's most trusted newspaper.Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.comBlogger1821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-85170166102757989992008-10-08T17:22:00.003+04:002008-10-08T17:29:42.331+04:00

Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern for Temuri, me, and the families of Giga Chikhladze and Sasha Klimchuk.Anyone reading this blog knows full well that this war left tens of thousands of victims -- the killed, the injured, the homeless and the bereaved.Giga and Sasha are two of those victims. They were killed on August 8 when an Ossetian patrol opened fire on us. Brave and competent

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-56689285101808637682008-08-12T16:08:00.003+04:002008-08-12T17:29:32.614+04:00

As we have just been informed, both of our journalists are free and trying to find a safe route back to Tbilisi, Georgia.Winston Featherly has a serious lower leg injury and he is not able to walk. He needs special transportation.We are actively seeking the safest and shortest route for their return.Please stay tuned.UPD: As we see, there is no safe exit from the locations our people are right

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-89737364698349472802008-08-12T14:58:00.003+04:002008-08-12T15:05:52.922+04:00

According to the latest information we have, both Winston Featherly and Temuri Kiguradze are in North Ossetian capital of Vladikavkaz.Winston sustained a leg injury, and Temuri has a light arm injury.We have no information on the nature and severity of Winston's leg injury, but we know he has been operated in Vladikavkaz military hospital and his life is not under threat.They are relatively safe

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-32134227001435243522008-08-12T14:53:00.002+04:002008-08-12T14:58:19.687+04:00

Dear Messenger Readers,Due to rumors and panic around Tbilisi, publishing house workers fled and we weren't able to print newspaper issues.We are deeply sorry that we were not able read our today's paper.Situation has relatively calmed down as of now, so we expect to print the paper tomorrow with all the latest news and analysis.

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-44847295557189088702008-08-11T13:52:00.004+04:002008-08-11T14:13:48.750+04:00

We have just been contacted by the Border Police spokesperson, who said all control points on the Georgian state border are open.Citizens of all countries can freely cross the Georgian State border and proceed toward any country.

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-70872966157385265742008-08-10T13:57:00.004+04:002008-08-10T14:01:25.420+04:00

Two of our war journalists, Winston Featherly and Temuri Kiguradze are currently in Tskhinvali at a safe location with other journalists.They have contacted us here in Tbilisi only twice, last time yesterday afternoon and reportedly they are waiting for a safe corridor to return back to Gori and Tbilisi with other journalists.Here at Georgian Messenger, we wish them safety and a safe return back

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-13557547520435917302008-08-08T20:25:00.003+04:002008-08-09T10:42:30.734+04:00

According to Interfax.ru on the decision of Russian Ministry of Transport the air flights between Georgia and Russia are to be suspended from August 9, 00:00.

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-63775773592212977052008-08-08T16:05:00.004+04:002008-08-08T16:42:16.261+04:00

Gunfire in Tskhinvali; Buildings on fire, according to our reporter in the conflict area, at least seven buildings are on fire.

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-66278250211944393962008-08-08T15:16:00.005+04:002008-08-08T15:52:24.843+04:00

Georgian government declared moratorium untill 18.00 Gigi Ugulava, Tbiliji mayor declared this in a televized address, who offered Tskhinvali separatist regime complete immunity. He also said that Tskhinvali residents would be safely transported to Gori. Dmitry Sanakoyev, head of the alternative South Ossetian administration, addressed the Ossetian population: "The Georgian government declares

The Messengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255330792863697352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-71357063631095663312008-08-08T13:00:00.002+04:002008-08-08T13:04:23.146+04:00

Reports last night of Georgian troops seizing Tskhinvali were premature, though information continues to suggest that there is fighting in the de facto secessionist capital.Georgian forces have seized a number of villages controlled by South Ossetian separatists for the last 16-17 years.The Georgian government says Russian warplanes have bombed Georgian territory, but without causing casualties.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-80349084048335543272008-08-08T02:00:00.002+04:002008-08-08T02:07:48.278+04:00

Georgia's Rustavi 2 television station, citiing Russian news reports, just announced that Georgian troops have taken Tskhinvali.Meanwhile the Georgian government said hundreds of fighters have passed through a Russian-controlled border checkpoint into South Ossetia.There are no reports of Russian peacekeepers fighting Georgian troops.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-81540499246670756002008-08-08T01:37:00.003+04:002008-08-08T01:38:46.068+04:00

The separatist leadership of Georgia's other breakaway region, Abkhazia, have convened their national security council in response to the South Ossetia fighting, reports Interfax.Abkhaz officials have previously vowed to give assistance to the South Ossetians if full-scale conflict breaks out, but it was never made explicit what form that assistance would take.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-38044061484001576622008-08-08T00:32:00.003+04:002008-08-08T00:37:21.926+04:00

Mamuka Kurashvili, commander of the Georgian peacekeepers, said Georgian forces will "restore constitutional order" in South Ossetia.This all but declares that Georgian troops will attempt to retake Tskhinvali.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-10566365870068262422008-08-08T00:28:00.002+04:002008-08-08T00:32:15.965+04:00

Russia's Interfax reports that the commander of the Russian said he was informed that Georgian forces have begun directing fire on the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali.The South Ossetian separatist press committee says the town is under attack from Grad rocket systems, with blasts hitting the city center.Georgian reports confirm the attack.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-7872096951582797532008-08-08T00:22:00.002+04:002008-08-08T00:25:47.467+04:00

Below is our article in tomorrow's edition on secessionist South Ossetia, which is just a few steps away from full-scale war. Keep reading this blog or http://www.civil.ge for updates.South Ossetia on edge of warBy Temuri Kiguradze and Winston FeatherlyDiplomats are pushing urgent peace talks between Georgian and South Ossetian officials to avert all-out war as heavy fighting in the region killed

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-1404653294549302192008-07-10T18:40:00.004+04:002008-07-10T18:57:48.205+04:00

In an interview with the Messenger today, State Minister for Reintegration Issues Temur Iakobashvili said Georgia is already in a state of "low-intensity conflict."The Messenger: You said in May that Georgia "literally had to avert war." How close is Georgia to war now?State Minister Iakobashvili: I would say that where we are at now, it is more not [a case of being] in danger of war but we are

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-29409400458289964482008-07-08T20:39:00.002+04:002008-07-08T20:41:29.941+04:00

Separatist authorities in South Ossetia have released four Georgian servicemen detained late last night, the Georgian Defense Ministry confirmed.The men are being taken to Gori, a town near breakaway South Ossetia.President Mikheil Saakashvili had ordered the Interior Ministry to "immediately start preparations to use all legal means available" to free the four men in a security council session

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-46682978552416109942008-06-11T01:22:00.001+04:002008-06-11T01:23:27.776+04:00

We think the domestic unrest is over, for now:"The opposition lost its momentum, lost its unity and lost the contest. But the government victory is ultimately a Pyrrhic one."

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-12314386959014763402008-06-07T10:03:00.003+04:002008-06-07T10:17:11.967+04:00

MPs-elect are gathered inside parliament for the first session.Less than a hundred opposition supporters were standing in front of parliament when the first group of MPs arrived at about 7:30 a.m.The mostly older crowd spent time debating whether the men in suits who could be seen entering parliament from behind were in fact MPs, and if so, whether they were supposed to stop them.A pair of

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-68151605364606738272008-06-07T03:36:00.003+04:002008-06-07T03:40:28.385+04:00

There are a couple hundred of opposition supporters outside parliament, some dozing on the ground as they await daybreak and the first session of the newly-elected parliament.The crowd is sparse and low-key. The street is open to passing cars.One opposition leader said their goal is a "blockade of parliament."

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-34078933253804806082008-05-26T15:30:00.004+04:002008-05-26T15:34:16.341+04:00

The demonstration outside parliament has ended.United Opposition leader Levan Gachechiladze is calling on supporters from the regions to join demonstrations in Tbilisi over the next few days. They seem to be hunkering down for another extended campaign; leaders vow to prevent parliament from convening later this summer.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-64426626978112893272008-05-26T15:11:00.003+04:002008-05-26T17:20:54.356+04:00

A CEC spokesman, speaking a briefing aired live by Rustavi 2, said there will be no significant results or decisions announced this afternoon.That is a quick effort to undercut any rationale for marching on the Central Election Commission, as the opposition have suggested may happen following a 4 p.m. meeting there.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-73122344016907415762008-05-26T14:38:00.005+04:002008-05-26T14:48:52.633+04:00

In other news, UNOMIG's team wrapped up its investigation into the April 20 downing of an unmanned Georgian spy plane over Abkhazia. Tbilisi released a video of the encounter, showing what Georgian officials claimed was a Russian jet shooting down their drone.Based on the evidence, UNOMIG agreed:Citing extensive analysis of the radar records and video footage, the UNOMIG team reported today that:

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-39790957090393266282008-05-26T14:25:00.003+04:002008-05-26T14:30:26.258+04:00

Around ten thousand opposition supporters are gathered outside parliament. Most have been peaceful.New Rights leader Davit Gamkrelidze says they will form an alternative parliament. Before him, Levan Gachechiladze vowed not to let the incoming official parliament convene.They earlier announced an ultimatum: annul the results of last week's parliamentary elections by 4 p.m.Riot police fell back

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-9136242082724436902008-05-26T05:01:00.002+04:002008-05-26T16:28:14.015+04:00

The United Opposition say they will rally to push for new elections, but they lack momentum and incentive.The first 16 on the United Opposition’s party list were elected to parliament last week; that represents key leadership of all member parties, most of which are vehicles for their top personalities.They’ve fallen short of turning out the sitting government, but can make much of their position

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-74691163391496996212008-05-24T15:20:00.002+04:002008-05-24T15:22:42.277+04:00

The Republicans will not boycott the new parliament."The people of Khevi voted for me and I will defend their interests in parliament," said Roman Marsagishvili, Republican majoritarian MP for Kazbegi said.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-91174905568072686842008-05-23T22:07:00.002+04:002008-05-23T22:14:54.716+04:00

A United Opposition leader says they will go ahead with the Monday rally, and demand to new elections.They announced a boycott of the incoming parliament today. Whether Labor, the Christian Democrats and the Republican's two MPs will join is unknown. It certainly won't stop business; a quorum is 1/3rd.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-88819710662610771142008-05-23T21:29:00.002+04:002008-05-23T22:33:30.564+04:00

Official results give NM 119 seats out of the 150 total.More: We projected the wrong number (117) due to a slightly wrong method of calculating seats. The CEC calculated the number of proportionally-allocated seats per party not by using that party's percentage of total votes, but that party's share of only the votes which went to the four parties clearing the minimum vote threshold.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-83875515991673991572008-05-23T20:59:00.002+04:002008-05-23T21:09:20.294+04:00

The United Opposition say they will boycott parliament in protest at the elections that they claim were rigged.Labor leader Shalva Natelashvili has called on all opposition parties to boycott the new parliament.“The united opposition refuses to enter this parliament and the united opposition stays with its people," United Opposition leader Levan Gachechiladze said.He also called on the whole of

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-25134736291294864162008-05-23T13:05:00.002+04:002008-05-23T13:15:13.132+04:00

The first official results give the National Movement 59.48 percent in party list voting, at the upper end of the margin of error for the latest GQR polling and just below the lower end for the exit polling.The Central Election Commission also says the ruling party has won 71 of the 75 majoritarian seats, with results unlikely to change.This should give the ruling party 117 seats, well beyond a

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-58480138631300301222008-05-23T00:49:00.003+04:002008-05-23T01:07:44.488+04:00

Gamkrelidze announced a rally at the Sports Palace on Monday, while a military parade is marching in the center of the capital just a few kilometers away.This is dangerous. It could be the moment the opposition goes for broke.Just spoke with MP Kakha Kukava, a leading United Opposition member who was just barely reelected parliament in an election the opposition say was rigged:He says they are

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-15533806822401995302008-05-22T22:15:00.001+04:002008-05-23T01:14:08.006+04:00

National Movement candidates have won 37 of the 40 single-representative district races with clear victors. That leaves 35 of these majoritarian races still uncalled, with more than three-quarters of precincts reporting.Of the remaining races, only a few are possible opposition wins.UPDATE: For the record, we're projecting 116-118 NM seats.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-38968523113614562862008-05-22T20:47:00.002+04:002008-05-22T20:52:34.668+04:00

Labor leader Shalva Natelashvili's surprisingly poor performance in his home district of Dusheti may, in part, be blamed on the fact that his name isn't actually in the results for at least one precinct.There were similar irregularities across Dusheti, which the OSCE report chastised as one of three particularly bad district election commissions.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-46469589789240521552008-05-22T19:56:00.003+04:002008-05-22T20:00:20.512+04:00

With nearly 70 percent of precincts in, the ruling National Movement is carrying 59 percent of the vote, which likely amounts to 46 seats of the 75 party list mandates.The United Opposition remains in second with 16.5 percent.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-8857760698976197232008-05-22T19:05:00.001+04:002008-05-22T19:06:46.513+04:00

Hans at CRRC has an interesting post which sheds a little light on OSCE/ODIHR's election observation methodology.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-69321523647541779002008-05-22T18:16:00.007+04:002008-05-22T19:03:44.744+04:00

The Central Election Commission is meeting to consider complaints filed over yesterday's elections. Two opposition commissioners walked out in protest. "I will not take part in this farce," one said.The complaints include too many voters at some precincts, instances of bribing; nearly all allegations levied by opposition representatives.Our reporter described CEC chairman Levan Tarkhnishvili, who

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-72409633558338086462008-05-22T17:45:00.006+04:002008-05-22T18:07:45.732+04:00

The leaders of Labor and the Republicans each gave briefings this hour.The populist Labor, which sneaked seven or eight of its members into parliament, says they're ready to fight to get rid of Saakashvili. They'll consult with other opposition parties tonight on a plan, leader Shalva Natelashvili said outside parliament.Republican leader Davit Usupashvili said the elections were riddled with

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-41591212277475349922008-05-22T17:12:00.006+04:002008-05-22T17:24:02.336+04:00

“These elections were not perfect, but since I was here in January for the presidential election, concrete and substantial progress has been made. Problems and much work remain. I hope all political forces in this country will come together and continue to work to improve Georgia’s democracy,” said João Soares, Special Co-ordinator of the OSCE short-term observers and head of the OSCE

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-4625917103895957772008-05-22T15:22:00.003+04:002008-05-22T15:29:54.959+04:00

Based on official results from 1697 precincts, the National Movement will take 47 of the 75 party list seats.The formidable Civil.ge calculated the ruling party to have at least 50 seats, but I can't sort out how they arrived at that number. (If a reader can, please comment.)By my figures, the National Movement's percent of the vote earns them 45 seats; the United Opposition 11, the Christian

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-17050095255667540382008-05-22T14:55:00.002+04:002008-05-22T15:03:55.621+04:00

nGnI released their final parallel vote tabulation from 800 precincts. With turnout at 50.7 percent, they gave the National Movement 58.5 percent in party list voting.According to official results from nearly half the precincts, the National Movement stands at 61.4 percent.nGnI's count put the United Opposition in second place with 18.3 percent, followed by the Christian Democrats at 8.4 and

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-65775397616350910072008-05-22T13:17:00.002+04:002008-05-22T13:21:33.191+04:00

The Labor Party, which is winning about six percent of the vote, is rally supporters outside parliament at 5 p.m. today. On the other side of the river, the OSCE will announce its first assessment of yesterday's election from the Sheraton hotel.Labor's rally will be minor. The United Opposition is deliberating on how and when to protest its loss, promising supporters last night to announce plans

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-9666708061311869482008-05-22T12:29:00.001+04:002008-05-22T12:40:24.383+04:00

With about one-third of precincts reporting, the National Movement is at 63 percent of the party list vote.It's a remarkable victory for a party whose most identifiable leader -- President Mikheil Saakashvili -- won just 52 percent of the vote four months ago.NOTE: As predicted, the ruling party will easily hold a two-thirds majority, allowing it to amend the constitution at will.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-54632384059846695302008-05-22T05:21:00.000+04:002008-05-22T05:27:45.284+04:00

With over 200 precincts reporting, the ruling National Movement is still carrying the nation-wide vote with over 60 percent.In the majoritarian contests, the National Movement so far has strong leads in Guria's Chokhatauri district, Samtskhe-Javakheti's Akhalkalaki and Adigeni districts, Shida Kartli's Khashuri and Kakheti's Lagodekhi (though there are dubious results from precinct 19).If these

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-64798708274711385062008-05-22T04:56:00.000+04:002008-05-22T05:08:53.810+04:00

The government is predicted to sweep most of the 75 single-representative districts, but the opposition banked on strong performances in Tbilisi. They're getting some good news now -- Davit Saganelidze of the New Rights / United Opposition looks set to win Didube district.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-174955212345365112008-05-22T04:14:00.001+04:002008-05-22T04:18:18.484+04:00

In Zugdidi, President Mikheil Saakashvili told foreign reporters "the most amazing thing [tonight] was the landslide victory."Saakashvili also said his party looks to have picked up a constitutional majority, according to a foreign journalist at the event.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-27313496558146268982008-05-22T04:02:00.002+04:002008-05-22T04:11:30.171+04:00

Early precinct results available on the Central Election Commission's website.These are the district-by-district totals for the proportional voting.Results for the majoritarian contests are in Georgian only. In those 75 contests, the seat goes to the single candidate who takes the most votes in the district. A run-off is avoided by clearing 30 percent of the vote -- something the ruling party

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-41352713738414976472008-05-22T03:12:00.000+04:002008-05-22T03:15:08.880+04:00

A government press release says international monitors "hail improvements" in the election and declare the vote "free and fair."It quotes a laundry list of eastern European MPs from staunch Georgia allies giving their imprimatur to the elections.The statement said serious irregularities were reported in just 8 of 3 558 electoral precincts.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-50046847237062401872008-05-22T02:57:00.002+04:002008-05-22T04:13:34.470+04:00

Khashuri district in Shida Kartli will go to the National Movement.As does Dmanisi in Kvemo Kartli.73 districts to go, and no surprises yet. See our earlier post for a prediction of how this count will play out.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-88851771877366400202008-05-22T02:54:00.001+04:002008-05-22T03:43:59.800+04:00

Results from 83 precincts, released by the CEC: Political Union of Citizens "Georgian Policy": 0.73% Republicans 3.78% Electoral Bloc "Alliance of the Rights, Topadze-Industrials" 1.07% Labour Party 7.57% United National Movement: 61.39% Georgian Sportsmen Union: 0.11% Joint Opposition (National Council, New Rights): 13.5% National Party of Radical-Democrats of the whole Georgia: 0.22%

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-89283230323068797312008-05-22T02:35:00.000+04:002008-05-22T02:48:42.181+04:00

Parallel vote tabulation results released by Georgian NGO New Generation New Initiative (nGnI) showed 77% for the National Movement in five districts: Samgori, Vake, Zugdidi, Gori and Batumi. This is much higher than expected.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-2840529635312188682008-05-22T01:58:00.000+04:002008-05-22T02:00:40.344+04:00

A CEC representative has said that results from at least 300 precincts are in and being processed.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-85801233906099116152008-05-22T01:41:00.001+04:002008-05-22T01:45:25.298+04:00

The opposition rally outside the sports palace is beginning disperse, with opposition figures telling supporters to go back to polling stations and try to protect against voter fraud.Some crowd members are reportedly disappointed, calling for a march to the CEC, as was originially planned.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-86133872805914630002008-05-22T01:36:00.000+04:002008-05-22T01:41:44.992+04:00

Popular vote:United National Movement: 63.1%United Opposition: 14.2%Christian Democratic Party: 9.5%Labor: 5.7%Republican Party: 3.6%Christian Democratic Alliance: 1%Majoritarian candidates:United National Movement: 63.5%United Opposition: 15.6%Christian Democratic Party: 8.6%Labor: 4.6%Republican Party: 3.7%

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-59323414738896059592008-05-22T01:24:00.000+04:002008-05-22T01:32:24.778+04:00

United Opposition leader Levan Gachechiladze and New Rights leader Davit Gamkrelidze have addressed opposition supporters at the sports palace."In spite of the violations, people supported us," Gamkrelidze said, adding that most rural districts had been subject to election fraud."Even Shevardnadze didn't use criminals to get votes, but Misha [Saakashvili] did because he is a criminal," he

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-72853802713911564022008-05-22T01:15:00.000+04:002008-05-22T01:23:50.426+04:00

Republican leader Davit Usupashvili talked about the "hard road ahead" in a live speech on opposition-friendly Kavkasia TV that is being aired to the crowd gathered at the sports palace.He also pledged to plan serious action from tommorrow to a cheering crowd.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-87435677848360260812008-05-22T01:06:00.002+04:002008-05-22T01:46:01.984+04:00

Fantastically, a precinct in Zugdidi has announced 101% turnout.A CEC spokesman said it was a technical problem and will be resolved shortly.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-71705094290924748172008-05-22T00:53:00.002+04:002008-05-22T01:03:13.397+04:00

The Labor Party have joined the United Opposition rally tonight outside the sports palace, with the crowd erupting in a big cheer the moment a Labor representative appeared.Opposition figures are addressing the crowd of a few thousand with the usual rhetoric, railing against privatization and accusing the authorities of evilness.They are also reiterating there should be no trust in exit polls or

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-32193254517012396392008-05-22T00:13:00.000+04:002008-05-22T00:20:58.028+04:00

The ruling party are apparently outdoing the opposition on the hospitality front, offering food and, according to our man on the ground, "nice Scotch," to journalists. The opposition spread, perhaps appropriately sobering, consists of pizza and juice.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-72271111530312838962008-05-21T23:57:00.001+04:002008-05-22T00:53:14.886+04:00

The United Opposition are saying that the extent of violations is unprecendented, calling on all supporters to gather and decide what to do tonight.On a giant screen outside the sports palace they are showing footage of alleged violations throughout the day, including precinct workers accompanying elderly voters into booths to help them vote.Our reporter on the ground says they are well prepared,

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-1564874007632148182008-05-21T23:47:00.003+04:002008-05-22T02:21:47.918+04:00

The United Opposition claim they won 36 percent of the vote in Tbilisi, compared to the ruling party's 30 percent.UPDATE: The United Opposition are now claiming that, based on their calculations,the results for Tbilisi only are as follows:United Opposition: 40.55%National Movement: 32%Labor Party: 8%Republican Party: 5.4%The Republicans, meanwhile, are claiming that according to their parallel

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-37049004634391886022008-05-21T23:46:00.001+04:002008-05-22T00:10:17.428+04:00

Total voter turnout was 55 percent, a total of 1 905 960 voters, the CEC has announced.A CEC spokesperson deemed the figure "satisfactory," and said that the elections were transparent free and fair.He also "proudly" announced that they represent a new step forward.The CEC has also said that reported violations in some precincts will probably mean results from those precincts will be annulled.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-35417389675113266882008-05-21T23:28:00.000+04:002008-05-21T23:39:15.303+04:00

Top government officials have commented on the elections.Former foreign minister Davit Bakradze acknowledged that the ruling party has not officialy won yet, but added "we will be in future," pledging readiness to cooperate with all the parties that make it into parliament.Ruling Party MP Gigi Tsereteli said "We don't have the right to betray people like those in Gali who voted under a rain of

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-5027616952586689172008-05-21T23:22:00.004+04:002008-05-21T23:28:21.978+04:00

Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze said that the election process was "normal and fair in general" but noted the "worrying events in Gali and minor violations at some polling stations."He also said that he could not comment on how accurate exit polls were and expected some differences in the final results."I am not a sociology expert, I cannot say whether these exit polls were just or not, I think

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-20360396284622537622008-05-21T22:20:00.005+04:002008-05-21T22:33:25.651+04:00

Our reporter says several cars of special forces troops are near the old Central Election Commission building, ready to block the entrance until morning.MORE: The opposition have promised to rally in half an hour to announce their count of today's results.The CEC has split its operations in two: ballot counting and posting of results will be done at its old building, which is lies along a busy

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-47968797042565430972008-05-21T22:08:00.003+04:002008-05-21T22:11:04.104+04:00

Davit Bakradze of the ruling party congratulated United National Movement activists on "worthy and fair elections...despite all the difficulties and provocations."

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-66040472398792847202008-05-21T22:02:00.001+04:002008-05-21T22:03:51.198+04:00

New Generation-New Initiative, which is doing observation and parallel vote counts, said election commissions did well in reacting to violations, unlike previous elections. They gave voting an overall positive assessment.Turnout was under 51 percent for the day, according to their count. Preliminary PVT results will be released in an hour.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-43308945612434632502008-05-21T21:58:00.003+04:002008-05-21T22:00:11.402+04:00

Our reporter at the Central Election Commission says special forces troops are at the Central Election Commission where ballots are being counted. They've told journalists who want to leave to do it soon, because they will seal the door until morning.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-86838349331905540892008-05-21T21:33:00.002+04:002008-05-21T21:37:34.219+04:00

The opposition will announce the result of their parallel vote tabulation at 11 p.m. and then declare its next step, Eka Beselia of the United Opposition said.Beselia said the nine-party opposition coalition was "laughing" as the exit poll results were announced.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-51228494626568305012008-05-21T20:56:00.001+04:002008-05-21T20:58:01.470+04:00

From PMMG, which has observers in Kvemo Kartli, Samstkhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli and Kakheti:"Contrary to the previous bulletin we are receiving reports of far more significant election violations, often including the election commission members in the PECs, including agitation, ignoring complaints, lack of log books, ballot stuffing, names not matching badges, absence of proper stamps and seals

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-59664918598558311912008-05-21T20:53:00.001+04:002008-05-21T20:54:27.847+04:00

Young National Movement activists are flocking to the party HQ near Freedom Square to hear the final exit poll results, now scheduled for release at 11:30 Tbilisi time.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-23744023428864771192008-05-21T20:42:00.003+04:002008-05-21T20:43:13.891+04:00

United Opposition member Gia Tortladze:"We don't trust the exit polling but if the CEC declare the same results they will get a revolution."

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-32012656934662319182008-05-21T20:30:00.002+04:002008-05-21T20:32:11.656+04:00

The Republicans do not trust the exit polls, party leader Davit Usupashvili said. “We do not trust [the exit poll results] as they were created beforehand to make people used to them. We have counted the votes in parallel [vote tabulation] and these are different,” Usupashvili said.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-44321593352045683532008-05-21T20:26:00.002+04:002008-05-21T20:28:38.652+04:00

Unlike in the January presidential election, when Saakashvili supporters paraded through the streets declaring victory within an hour of polls closing, our reporter in the ruling party's HQ says they are asking supporters to keep calm and refrain from celebrating before more complete results are announced.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-3185977801086274012008-05-21T20:18:00.006+04:002008-05-21T20:23:41.837+04:00

Goga Khaindrava, a leader of the United Opposition, said exit polls were the "first sign of rigging elections," shortly after the results of an exit poll were released."Exit polling is the first sign of rigging elections, we declare a boycott of them and I am not interested in exit poll results at all," Khaindrava said.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-89649268737306682132008-05-21T20:18:00.004+04:002008-05-21T20:21:16.742+04:00

Ruling party MP Gigi Tsereteli: Exit polls results are preliminary figures and may change, but we never doubted our final victory. But we don't think we'll have a constitutional majority.Tseretli said they would wait for final results before celebrating.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-34563795565763491522008-05-21T20:12:00.002+04:002008-05-21T20:27:41.643+04:00

I’m still catching up on the day’s events, and there’s no point to speculating on results that will be announced shortly, so here’s some pre-analysis. I just returned from a conference on Georgian culture, attended by scholars of Georgia, many of whom follow politics closely.I spoke about Georgia’s contemporary political culture and its remarkable continuity over the past fifteen years, despite

Jonathan Kulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07948310496229298695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-38826357710466160562008-05-21T20:01:00.012+04:002008-05-21T21:22:10.367+04:00

Exit polls show the government winning 63 percent of the vote nationwide. The exit polls, conducted by a group including a state university and leading think-tank, showed the United Opposition with 14.2 percent, Christian Democrats with 9.1 and Labor with 5.8. The Republicans fell short of the five percent threshold, getting just 3.6 percent, according to these exit polls.For the 75 majoritarian

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-57627861029295121182008-05-21T20:01:00.002+04:002008-05-21T20:01:40.952+04:00

Exit poll results, which will be dismissed by opposition, to be announced now.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-11394581522157766032008-05-21T19:55:00.002+04:002008-05-21T19:57:14.037+04:00

Davit Gamkrelidze, leading member of the nine-party opposition coalition: "I want to congratulate Georgians on the opposition winning the elections. Georgians supported us and they refused the National Movement."Exit poll results will be announced in a matter of minutes.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-53992206453421899152008-05-21T19:36:00.002+04:002008-05-21T19:47:14.010+04:00

Abkhaz officials are calling the shootings and blasts in Gali district a "provocation."An Abkhaz security officer told separatist news agency Apsnypress that a bus headed from Zugdidi towards Gali, the southern district of Abkhazia populated mostly by ethnic Georgians, came under fire in Georgian-controlled territory 200 meters from the administrative border. Separatist officials deny

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-2967424879415108462008-05-21T19:21:00.002+04:002008-05-21T19:23:51.459+04:00

Davit Bakradze, top of the ruling National Movement's party list, said the "elections are free and fair and we [the National Movement] are ready to accept any results."He accused the opposition of preparing for protests, not polling.“Opposition representatives leave their stations and leave for Tbilisi. It shows that they are not interested in the results of the elections... Members of the

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-24024502209895287572008-05-21T19:05:00.004+04:002008-05-21T19:11:09.874+04:00

Thanks to everyone for reading. We at the paper have been busy collating first-hand reports from around the country, so there's been little time for analysis.For that, we turn to Dr. Jonathan Kulick, director of studies at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies and a renowned Georgia analyst.Stay tuned for his analyses and more breaking updates from Georgia's most trusted

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-1514711460905624252008-05-21T18:58:00.004+04:002008-05-21T19:15:18.684+04:00

41.5 percent turnout by 5 p.m., according to the CEC.Roughly 640 complaints have been filed into the CEC. A spokesperson said it was roughly the same number as the presidential election.MORE: Highest turnout by 5: Aspindza with 77 percent, Ninotsminda with 77, Akhaltsikhe with 70. Lowest is Zugdidi at 29.2 percent, Zemo Abkhazia with 24.7 and Tsalka at 29.2.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-23489377677796309112008-05-21T18:45:00.003+04:002008-05-21T18:46:40.329+04:00

A reliable source says staff at the ruling National Movement's headquarters are setting up fireworks on the roof of the building.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-34697100684737285422008-05-21T18:08:00.004+04:002008-05-21T18:29:30.751+04:00

Davit Zurabishvili, a leading Republican member: “The situation is much worse than it was during the presidential election. [Davit] Bakradze had a pathetic briefing, but it would be better if they show us actions instead of words and prevent the rigging of elections.”The Republicans have alleged a number of violations today, including an incident in Tbilisi's Saburtalo district where Tina

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-13318559091808553232008-05-21T17:53:00.005+04:002008-05-21T18:39:49.310+04:00

New Generation-New Initiative, an NGO doing a parallel vote tabulation, reported 34 percent turnout by 3 p.m. today.Aside from "incidents" in Gori and Poti, elections are generally orderly and calm.The first parallel count numbers will be out at 11 p.m., preceded by a summary of how the elections have gone at 8 p.m. as polls close.CLARIFICATION: nGnI says there will be parallel vote counts from 5

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-27911568965670622442008-05-21T17:33:00.002+04:002008-05-21T17:33:43.225+04:00

Former foreign minister Davit Bakradze, who tops the ruling party electoral list, told New Rights leader Davit Gamkrelidze to "calm down the hysterical rhetoric" and "check his own party members” for criminals.He also said that the election process was being conducted "in a normal way expect for incidents of provocation by the opposition.Referring to reports of a shootout in Gali earlier in the

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-73884399703143655182008-05-21T17:25:00.002+04:002008-05-21T17:27:05.041+04:00

About an hour ago, Davit Gamkrelidze of the New Rights -- now part of the nine-party opposition coalition calling itself the United Opposition -- said: “This is the first time when Special Operations Department is holding elections, I call on people to be more active so the National Movement doesn’t win [unfairly].”A post with the ruling party's response will follow.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-13463833121985123302008-05-21T17:18:00.000+04:002008-05-21T17:20:48.305+04:00

Giorgi Rukhadze, the Christian Democrats’ international secretary, said the party is “studying very intensively” reports of irregularities and violations. “… At this stage I can't really say how those riggings will affect the general outcome of the elections. We have already filed some accusations to the CEC and local CEC officers, and we will wait what the decisions of the court are, and take

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-49000465508756375702008-05-21T16:26:00.002+04:002008-05-21T16:28:57.693+04:00

De facto Abkhaz president Sergey Bagapsh says there are blasts and shootings, but not in Gali region, Russian news media reports. The shootings are in Georgian-controlled territory, he claims, and Abkhaz forces have nothing to with it.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-38412791213835646472008-05-21T16:25:00.000+04:002008-05-21T16:26:03.975+04:00

n/t

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-83495485381629239002008-05-21T16:21:00.002+04:002008-05-21T16:25:23.268+04:00

From Public Movement Multinational Georgia, an umbrella NGO for ethnic minority groups and a registered election observer today:"The main problems we have found so far are that the number of ballot papers in polling stations is less than voters registered. This is the common problem in many regions. But also scattered problems of obstructing observers, unsuitable locations, no UV dye being used,

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-29429725878428881572008-05-21T16:00:00.003+04:002008-05-21T16:09:28.094+04:00

The deputy editor of local newspaper Rezonansi, Eliso Chapidze, says she was assaulted by government officers while documenting egregious vote fraud in a Kakheti precinct.She is reputedly pro-opposition but honest. We spoke to her on the phone:Chapidze is in the village of Magaro, in Sighnaghi district, birthplace of the Republican party leader. The ruling National Movement sent out an order that

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-48951417475678655522008-05-21T15:46:00.001+04:002008-05-21T15:56:26.812+04:00

Comments? Questions? Post them here, and we'll respond.

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-28201074588450634332008-05-21T15:41:00.002+04:002008-05-21T15:44:05.411+04:00

The ruling National Movement presented alleged elections violations perpetrated by opposition campaigners. Again, we have not substantiated these: "1. Gori region - Mamuka Mamukashvili had no right to represent his party (New Rights) as the observer. Because he was imprisoned on the accusation of attempting to rig the election on January 5. He has been released and participated in the elections

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-64844975263859953562008-05-21T15:35:00.000+04:002008-05-21T15:36:09.057+04:00

According to the latest CEC figures, voter turnout was 21.8% by midday. Aspindza had the highest turnout at 39.2% while Tianeti had less than 1% turnout.Voter turnout in Tbilisi was 20%: Mtatsminda district was highest at 22.9% while Isani had the lowest at 17.7%.

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-22311390925430640852008-05-21T15:25:00.003+04:002008-05-21T15:27:45.433+04:00

Below is a press release from Giorgi Targamadze's Christian Democratic Party, which is expected to perform strongly today and has hitherto been more moderate than most other opposition parties.They allege these violations, none of which we've substantiated: CDP chokhatauri Majoritarian candidate Magda kotrikadze reports - in the village of Gogolisubani, a gambebeli Shukri Sikharulidze broke into

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-92213846656242860692008-05-21T15:24:00.001+04:002008-05-21T15:25:30.486+04:00

An Interior Ministry spokeswoman appealed to the opposition to remain calm in a televised address.The spokeswoman said that an incident earlier in the day when a voter was shot dead outside a polling station was a personal matter that should not be used by the opposition for political leverage. She also said that two have been arrested after a scuffle broke out between National Movement and

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-40180138225360013552008-05-21T15:13:00.004+04:002008-05-21T15:23:31.449+04:00

Abkhaz militia opened fire on two buses carrying Georgian voters from Gali region to Zugdidi over the Enguri bridge, according to an Interior Ministry spokesperson.Several are reported injured.UPDATE: Rustavi 2 footage from Gali/Zugdidi shows elderly women carrying parasols ducking as automatic gunfire and explosions go off.One wounded woman shown. Dark plumes of smoke in the background,

Alexander Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15513494524509528158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784415903813646224.post-30588562327018834472008-05-21T15:07:00.004+04:002008-05-21T15:16:16.783+04:00

Multiple sources report that Koba Davitashvili was beaten up in Zugdidi, where he is running for the district's majoritarian seat.It wouldn't be the first time. On November 7, as riot police violently dispersed anti-government protests, Davitashvili was kidnapped from a bazroba and severely beaten by unknown men. There were no prosecutions in that case.UPDATE: National Movement claims

Winston Featherlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750980512344360293noreply@blogger.com0