Ruling party claims lead in key Georgia election as polls close

Ruling party claims lead in key Georgia election as polls close


Polls closed in Georgia’s landmark parliamentary election on Saturday, with the ruling Georgian Dream party claiming a lead.

Exit polls reported by the Imedi television channel gave the party 56% of the vote, but other broadcasters said it achieved around 40%.

The party, which favours co-operation with Russia, celebrated in Tbilisi with fireworks shortly after polls closed at 8 pm (1600 GMT).

According to Imedi, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties received 11.6% of the vote in exit polls.

The first official results were expected later on Saturday.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party casts his vote at a polling booth during the Georgian parliamentary elections. Jay Kogler/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpaPrime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party casts his vote at a polling booth during the Georgian parliamentary elections. Jay Kogler/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party casts his vote at a polling booth during the Georgian parliamentary elections. Jay Kogler/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa



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