U.S. Secretary of State, Georgian President discuss post-election situation in country

Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct.5 / Trend, N.Kirtskhalia / President Mikheil Saakashvili and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed facts of pressure exerted on the members of the commissions of a number of polling stations and the CEC by the "Georgian Dream" coalition, which won the parliamentary elections, during a telephone conversation yesterday, Georgian Presidential Administration said. The telephone conversation was initiated by Clinton. The administration said that the main topic of conversation was the post-election situation in Georgia. Clinton also called "Georgian Dream" coalition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and congratulated him on his election to the Georgian Parliament. As "Georgian Dream" said, during the telephone conversation Ivanishvili and Clinton stressed "the importance of partnership between the U.S. and Georgia and the further development of cooperation between the two countries". "Hillary Clinton thanked Bidzina Ivanishvili for his efforts to deepen relations between the two countries," the coalition's report says. On Oct.3 Ivanishvili said that he will pay his first official foreign visit as Prime Minister to the U.S. after the presidential elections there, scheduled for Nov.6. The Central Election Commission of Georgia has counted votes from 3,694 (99.95 per cent) out of 3,766 polling stations. According to initial information, Bidzina Ivanishvili's opposition coalition "Georgian Dream" continues to lead with 54.88 per cent (1.184.593 votes). The ruling party "United National Movement - More Benefit for People" ranks second with 40.39 per cent (871,725 votes). Giorgi Targamadze - Christian-Democratic Movement gained 2.04 per cent (44,118 votes), Shalva Natelashvili - Georgian Labour Party - 1.2 per cent (26,751 votes). Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on Oct.1. Around 14 parties and two political blocs participated in the elections. Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on a mixed - list, majority system. Around 150 MPs must be elected - 77 on the lists (a passing barrier of five per cent) and 73 - single-seat constituencies. Parliament will receive more authority in 2013 after amendments to the Constitution take effect resulting in the president's power being reduced. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az