Opposition Wants Local Elections in Adjara in Summer

The opposition has demanded that elections for the legislative body of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic – the Supreme Council – be held this summer, instead of late 2008 as is currently envisaged by the constitution.

“Elections for the Adjarian Supreme Council should be held upon the expiration of its term of authority, in early summer,” Roman Dumbadze, an opposition Republican Party member of the Council, said on January 21. “Otherwise, rallies will take place here in Batumi, like in Tbilisi.”

In accordance with constitutional amendments approved in late 2006, nationwide presidential and parliamentary elections should be held simultaneously with local elections in Adjara in late 2008. However, 79.7% of voters decided in the January 5 plebiscite to overturn the provision, as far as it pertains to parliamentary elections, which will now be held in spring. Parliament is due to endorse a relevant constitutional amendment in February.

The sitting Supreme Council of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic was elected in June 2004 for a four year term. President Mikheil Saakashvili’s ruling party holds the majority of seats in the assembly.