Crisis in Adjara Threatens Elections

CEC Chief casts doubts over fair elections in Adjara, as armed vehicles are patrolling Batumi. Photo by Batumelebi newspaper.

Hopes for holding fair elections on March 28 in Adjara fade away as tensions increase in this restive region of Georgia. Adjarian Autonomy is under state of emergency and curfew has been declared by the local authorities; administrative borders with the rest of Georgia are closed and paramilitary forces are patrolling in the capital Batumi.

“If the current situation is maintained in Adjara, the region’s voters will have no possibility to make a free choice on March 28. Armed groups are seen in Adjara, attacks on election observers have been reported as well,” Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zurab Tchiaberashvili said on March 16.