RusData Dialine – Russian Press Digest
January 14, 2008 Monday
Presidential elections end "color revolution" in Georgia
Izvestia, No 4, p.6
Officials in Georgia said re-elected President Mikheil Saakashvili
received 52% of votes in the first round of the January 5
presidential elections, while the opposition claimed that he was
backed by just 42%. Although leaders of some countries have
congratulated Saakashvili on his victory, official election returns
are still lacking.
One can discuss the triumph or failure of Georgian democracy;
however, all post-election comments and predictions are far-fetched.
Any national election legislation and the instructions of
non-governmental organizations overseeing elections anywhere in the
world are more vague than the proceedings for appealing election
results.
Although the support of the Armenian and Azerbaijani diasporas for
Saakashvili seems exaggerated, there will probably be no legal
repercussions because it is unclear whether the general election
results should be annulled or whether this should only concern the
overseas votes. The Georgian Election Commission’s failure to
promptly count all votes will not cause any negative consequences
either.
A "color revolution" seems likely in case of numerous violations.
Unlike Eduard Shevardnadze, who was overthrown in 2003, it seems that
Saakashvili will retain his post this time. A casus belli can always
be found in case of profound mutual contradictions and when the sides
think they are ready for a decisive clash. But no incident will lead
to a confrontation when open conflict seems impossible.
The frequency of national elections and the legitimacy of power is a
highly important issue in the context of domestic development
prospects. But domestic and international politics imply that the
one, who effectively controls the territory of any specific country,
is bound to win. And there will be few, if any, over-fastidious
statements if it turns out that Saakashvili is firmly in charge.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
