Gachechiladze Claims Victory

Levan Gachechiladze, the nine-party opposition coalition presidential candidate, has claimed victory in the January 5 election.

“Not counting votes in Tbilisi, Saakashvili has 44% and I have 34% of the vote. In Tbilisi, however, I have gained an overwhelming victory, which gives me an overall nationwide lead,” Gachechiladze told reporters on January 6.

He said what he called his success came about despite numerous election violations.
 
“Packs of ballot papers with number five [incumbent candidate Mikheil Saakashvili’s number on the ballot papers] were marked in advance. We have documented evidence, including video footage of cases of merry-go-round [multiple] voting. We have video material proving the theft of ballot boxes,” Gachechiladze said.