Adjara Goes to Polls

Elections are underway in Adjara Autonomous Republic on June 20 to elect 30-seal legislative body ? the Supreme Council.

President Saakashvili?s supporter Victorious Adjara party is the frontrunner most likely to win the majority of seats in the Adjarian parliament.

Republican Party, which is in the opposition to the Adjarian interim government is the main contender to the Victorious Adjara.

Irakli Paghava, Chairman of the Adjarian Supreme Election Council said at a news briefing that the elections ?are held in a calm atmosphere.? He added that some minor violations are reported, but ?they can not influence on overall results.? 

Around 110 international, including from OSCE and Council of Europe and 300 local observers will monitor the elections. Preliminary findings of the observers will be known on June 21.

Direct presidential rule have been imposed on Adjara Autonomous Republic after ex-leader of the region Aslan Abashidze fled to Russia as a result of the pressure from the President Saakashvili government and mass protest rallies on May 6.

Interim Council chaired by Levan Varshalomidze run the region before the snap local elections. President Saakashvili, who is currently in Adjara complaining in support of his party, said he will appoint Varshalomidze as Chairman of the Adjarian government in case the success of Victorious Adjara in the elections.