SEC Delays Announcement of Early Results of Adjara Polls

The Supreme Election Commission (SEC) of Adjara delays to announce early official results of the June 20 local elections in the Adjara Autonomous Republic; however SEC claims that President Saakashvili-backed Victorious Adjara party won a landslide victory.

The SEC reported that the early results will be known, “later today.” However, Chairman of the Georgia Central Elections Commission Zurab Nonikashvili vowed on Sunday to unveil preliminary results by the noon on June 21.

According to the Adjarian Supreme Election Commission, the Republican Party, which is the major contender of the Victorious Adjara, could clear 7% threshold needed to secure mandates in the 30-seats Adjarian legislative body – the Supreme Council.

The Republican Party has already accused the authorities of “total ballot-rigging.”

Rivalry between the Republican and Victorious Adjara parties even grew into fist-fighting at one of the precincts of Akhalsheni village. Interior Minister of Adjara Davit Ghlonti admitted on June 21 that the police failed to maintain order at that polling station.

Local and international observers, which monitored June 20 elections, are expected to announce preliminary findings on June 21.