CEC Chief Alarmed over Adjarian Elections

Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Zurab Tchiaberashvili told a news conference that he is alarmed with the violations that took place in Adjara by the end of the elections day and did not rule out possibility of discussion of annulations of election results in Adjara.

He said that elections were foiled in two polling stations – one in capital Batumi and another in Kobuleti, as unknown group raided the precincts.

“Intimidation of precinct election commission members continues in Adjara, as a result members of one of the precinct in Khulo district in Adjara left the polling station for security reasons,” Zurab Tchiaberashvili said.

“I do not rule out that the Central Election Commission will question validity of polls in Adjara,” CEC chief added.

He urged Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze and President Mikheil Saakashvili to ensure security in the region.

“I request and at the same time demand from President Saakashvili to pay special attention to the situation in Adjara. I also want to ask Prime Minster Zurab Zhvania, who is in Batumi at the moment, not to leave Adjara, until there is a risk of violence,” Zurab Tchiaberashvili said.

He refrained to name those responsible for attacks on polling stations in Adjara, however added, “everybody knows who was intimidating opposition in Adjara.”

However, independent reports, as well as observer oganizations do not confirm the fact of raids on election precincts in Batumi and Kobuleti.