Talks on Election Code Collapse, Protests Pending

22:45 Tbilisi, June 2 2003 Civil Georgia The reports came in that the talks between the opposition and pro-governmental political alliance have collapsed. Opposition plans to hold mass protest rallies starting 11am tomorrow June 3.

Opposition and pro-governmental politicians were reported to near consensus on composition of the election commission at 21:30 today, as the government said it was ready for a compromise. The meeting started at Tbilisi Municipality hall, involving all opposition parties, excluding the Labor and Avtandil Jorbenadze, state minister and head of the pro-governmental alliance at 4pm .

Later, Jorbenadze has left the hall to consult President Eduard Shevardnadze. Jorbenadze said the parties were “nearing consensus” on electoral commission. Irakli Gogava, representative of the pro-governmental faction at the parliament said they have agreed to be in a minority at the election commission. However, the opposition remained skeptical.

Opposition asked for the parity at the electoral commission, as all previous schemes proposed by the government provided for domination of the presidential appointees.

Despite reports on possible compromise, the leader of the New Rights David Gamkrelidze said the government “may be trying to win time and confuse our supporters before the rallies scheduled for tomorrow.” The opposition has created a coordinating council today, threatening to launch the series of rallies starting June 3.

Leader of the United Democrats, Zurab Zhvania said it is “hard to make a prognosis” on a final decision of the government, following State Minister’s consultations with the President. Zhvania called all of opposition supporters to be ready for the protest rallies tomorrow. Zhvania also dismissed the claims by Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the Labor party who stated today that the opposition seeks clandestine agreement with the government at the expense of the labor. Zhvania said the opposition insists on a principle “one vote for all” at the Electoral Commission, including the labor.

Related Story: No Partisan Consensus on Election Administration

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