| Submit your comments on this article |
| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Saakashvili says Georgia is on way to democracy |
| 2008-01-08 |
| TBILISI, Georgia: Mikheil Saakashvili says he knows his country needs to make changes. But he argued Monday that the election that returned him to Georgia's presidency for a second term showed that the former Soviet republic was on the road to becoming a European democracy. "I believe there are many aspects that need to be criticized," Saakashvili said in an interview. "This is still a country in transition, this is still not a full-fledged, very well-formed, crystallized society. We still have lots of things to do. But I think we are on the right track and this election has just proved that." While much of Georgia took a break from months of political tension to celebrate Orthodox Christmas on Monday, Saakashvili's interview focused on the future and his delicate position after winning a second term. His victory, announced late Sunday, was uncomfortably narrow. His opponents, citing fraud, have promised prolonged protests. Saakashvili, 40, a close ally of Washington, has been under pressure to prove he remains committed to democracy. Late last year, he ordered the dispersal of anti-government protests, imposed a state of emergency and shut down an independent television station. Although monitors pointed to an array of violations in the election Saturday, including cases of multiple voting, they said that over all it was in accordance with democratic standards. With more than 85 percent of the precincts counted, Saakashvili had 51.94 percent of the vote - just clearing the 50 percent threshold for a first-round victory, the Central Elections Commission said Monday. His main challenger, Levan Gachechiladze, had 25.19 percent. Both candidates went to church Sunday for a midnight liturgy that was broadcast live on national television. Saakashvili offered his hand to Gachechiladze, who shook it. |
| Posted by:Steve White |