Georgians vote in polarized elections
By Jill Dougherty
Independent international observers in the Republic of Georgia described the country's parliamentary election Monday as peaceful with no significant violence but warned that the opposition may be prematurely declaring victory.
Lorne Craner, president of the International Republican Institute, a U.S. congressionally funded democracy support organization, spoke with CNN by telephone at 11 p.m. Tbilisi, Georgia, time, as Georgia's Central Election Commission was counting votes. As he spoke, the sound of honking horns and celebration by the opposition was audible in the background.
"From what I have seen," Craner said, "it's been very calm and peaceful, and it appears that there were no significant problems on election day. There was a blizzard of complaints but nothing that was systemic where you could look at election complains and say, 'Here's how someone is trying to steal the election.'"
Opposition forces are citing exit polls, but Craner said there "was no independent exit poll here, which was an important missing element, unfortunately."
Craner, who has observed polling globally for many years, said, in Georgia, he had seen something he had never seen before: "murky funding sourcing, at best" for international observers, for exit polling and for "parallel vote tabulations" for representative samples.
"There was so much money sloshing around," Craner said, "that they were bringing in privately-funded observer groups and using privately funded exit polling ... and it just stirred up people's emotions here in an already polarized election. And that's something I wouldn't hope to see in the future anywhere else."
Both sides – the party currently in power, the United National Movement, and the opposition coalition called the "Georgian Dream," headed by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili – have poured large amounts of money into the election.
The government's Central Electoral Commission has been professional and independent, however, said Craner. "There's no question in my mind ... the election commission can be relied upon."
"But the question is will everyone stay calm when the results come out," he added.
The commission is counting the votes on Monday night and is expected to release preliminary results, at least, on Tuesday.
Another international official observing the election who spoke with CNN by phone without direct attribution because of the sensitivity of the issue, agreed that the claim of victory by the opposition is premature.
"There are two distinct elections here," this official explained. Each Georgian was given two ballots when they entered the voting location. One was for a proportional vote for 77 out of 150 seats in parliament. The other was a single-member vote for 73 parliamentary seats.
"The proportional vote is a party list vote. It's not district by district," the official explained. The other is a majoritarian vote. So you could win the proportional race and be a minority in the parliament if you lose the majoritarian vote."
Exit polls, this official said, "vary dramatically." Some are funded by partisan interests and have a "huge margin of error."
Further complicating things, the official added, the government now agrees that the opposition has won the proportional race but no one knows by what percentage.
Counting the votes is potentially the most contentious part of the contest, this official warns, and the process is not yet complete.
How opposition supporters, who have been told they "won the election" will react when the final vote is tabulated is still a question mark.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Relentless+Collision/@35.8167572,-78.597496,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xecfa0d223ab3249d!8m2!3d35.8167572!4d-78.597496
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.filsasoso.com/spend-less-with-auto-body-repairs/
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://www.jonigarcia.com/tips-for-getting-your-vehicles-auto-body-repaired/
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
http://www.winter-leak.com/heating-and-cooling-repair-why-you-need-it/
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://www.dylanthomasprize.com/the-intelligent-homeowners-checklist-for-all-things-hvac-repair/
best i have ever seen!Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
https://goo.gl/maps/WTPBHu1Md2N2
thanks for sharing!
https://www.synerlink.com/contact-us/synerlink-in-the-usa
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Relentless+Collision/@35.8167572,-78.597496,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xecfa0d223ab3249d!8m2!3d35.8167572!4d-78.597496
I really like this post
https://www.evelyne-dheliat.com/approved-auto-physique-repair/
Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work
https://www.theegreetingsportal.com/auto-body-repairs-work-with-budgets/
I really like this post
https://www.federatedfinancial.com/
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.lrp-forum.com/the-principle-of-payday-loan-find-out-how-to-get-rapidly-money-in-45-minutes/
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
https://sharedpics.net/understanding-the-ins-and-outs-of-payday-loans/
best i have ever seen!Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
https://www.diamondhcattleco.com/find-out-about-improve-payday-loans/
I really like this post
https://vk.com/@631677902-popular-pressure-washing-incidents
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://botdb.win/wiki/Strategies_for_Selecting_the_Pressure_Washing_Providers
thanks for sharing!
https://www.mrclarksdesigns.builderspot.com/board/board_topic/690695/4079677.htm?page=3
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://www.generation-madiran.com/how-considerably-will-a-strain-washing-service-value-you/
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://spamdb.science/wiki/How_Much_Will_a_Force_Washing_Support_Expense_You
very nice! Ireally like your blog
http://www.bsaa.edu.ru/bitrix/rk.php?goto=https://highcaliberinc.com/pressure-washing-merritt-island-fl/
carry on, dont stop
https://www.americandigital.shoppingcartsplus.com/board/board_topic/2138442/5508742.htm?page=6
Nice topics, very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.startbuyingonebay.com/strategies-for-deciding-on-the-tension-washing-solutions/
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.bihada-beautiful.com/suggestions-for-deciding-on-the-force-washing-services/
Nice topics, very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17978662104161179375
Thank You for your information. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8864615230667558347
I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3749495615142933531
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2701940142406558565
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13336008336015345972
Thank You for your information. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://hvaccontractorellicottcity.tumblr.com/post/652235246392279040/heating-services-for-the-home-or-workplace
Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://flooringcontractorpittsburgh.blogspot.com/2021/05/steps-in-choosing-best-flooring-company.html
I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.behance.net/gallery/120320541/Airsoft-BB-Guns-No-Childs-Play
Thank You for your information. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://diigo.com/0ko3p9
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
https://www.scoop.it/topic/how-to-find-the-best-locksmith/p/4124776393/2021/05/13/avant-d-acceder-a-google-maps
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://diigo.com/0kj8e3
Thank You for your information
https://roofinghainesport.blogspot.com/2021/05/commercial-roofer-choose-right-one-for.html
Thank You for your information
https://fencecompanybatonrouge.tumblr.com/post/651058672774070272/what-to-consider-when-choosing-the-best-fence
nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful
https://www.politicsisnotabanana.com/six-caution-symptoms-your-current-roofing-needs-mend-or-alternative-that-will-an-individual-cant-afford-for-you-to-overlook/
Impressive! Thanks for the post
https://www.lighttheexpedition.com/the-many-great-things-about-green-tea-remove/
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13844760278657541606
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://multimedios106.com/hvac-restoration-are-you-planning-for-skilled-support/
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6077830663
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://www.imagebam.com/view/GA1AZ
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://myphoto.eu/MichelineTrimb/album/50702/
Keep this going please, great job!
https://app.mediafire.com/5bu2fnm6cvmaq
This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GlEbn_FwPb18ILbKERASmAnm1O5RsQEd?usp=sharing
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://ritzpix.ritzpix.com/prints?coll=QM2J4e8apj529JJog039RrOK
Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
https://postimg.cc/gallery/87WY2VB
I really like this post
https://posts.gle/81AcJHd1LN5PQDwn9
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.scoop.it/topic/how-to-find-the-best-locksmith/p/4124776393/2021/05/13/avant-d-acceder-a-google-maps
Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work
https://diigo.com/0kj8e3
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://carpetspokanecleaning.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-benefits-of-carpet-cleaning.html
thanks for sharing!
https://fencecompanybatonrouge687888490.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/why-is-it-important-which-fence-company-you-choose/
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
https://hvacwarrenton.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/best-air-conditioning-repair-services/
Thank You for your information
https://www.dmllocksmith.com
nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful
https://unique-work.jimdofree.com/2021/05/10/do-you-really-need-seo-services-for-your-business/
Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up
https://www.gatesofantares.com/players/plotangora2/activity/745191/
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
http://onlineklubben.dk/site/members/cellargame52/activity/287447/