Elections Invalidated Due to Low Voter Turnout

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, December 1, 2002) – According to the preliminary information MP by-election in one of the Saburtalo constituency of Tbilisi were invalidated because of the low turnout of the voters on November 30.

Only up to 20% of voters participated in the by-election, while the participation of at least 33% of voters was needed for the elections to be held.

Nominee of the opposition National Movement Givi Targamadze and the candidate of the pro-governmental Citizens’ Union of Georgia party were the main contenders at the by-election in Saburtalo constituency. According to the election legislation the new by-elections would not be held. The elections to the district would take place during the new general elections scheduled for fall 2003.