Abashidze’s Supporters Protest against Repeat Elections

A group of local population in Khulo district of Adjara, where the repeat parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 18, held a protest rally outside the local election commission against the repeat elections.
 
On April 2, the CEC annulled the election results in Khulo and Kobuleti election districts, quoting massive irregularities.

The Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze-backed Revival Union, which gained most of the votes in these two districts, as well as Georgian Young Lawyers Association, which observed March 28 parliamentary elections, appealed the court to annul decision however, the court’s ruling backed the CEC’s decision over repeat elections.

The CEC also disbanded Kobuleti and Khulo election commission and set up a special commission composed by the members and representatives of the CEC. A group arrived in Khulo and Kobuleti districts on April 13.

“We have already held the first session of the commission despite the protest rally,” Karlo Kvitaishvili, member of the CEC, who is in the special commission told Civil Georgia.

Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zurab Tchiaberashvili is expected to arrive in Adjara and personally observer the preparations for the repeat elections in Khulo and Kobuleti.