Saakashvili Campaign HQ: No Major Violations Observed

Allegations of election procedure violations are totally groundless, the Saakashvili campaign office said.

“These allegations by our political opponents are aimed at discrediting the electoral process,” State Minister Davit Bakradze, a Saakashvili campaign spokesperson, said. “The election is being held under calm, normal conditions… Voter turnout is high and this is very positive and no serious violation has been observed by us.”

Bakradze’s reassurance was in marked contrast to comments made earlier by Levan Gachechiladze, a presidential candidate backed by the nine-party opposition coalition.  “Of course there are violations,” he said after casting his ballot, “but our HQ is ready to respond to every violation.”

Davit Gamkrelidze, leader of the New Rights Party and a presidential candidate, also complained about, as he put it, “a great deal of violations.”