Early Presidential Elections?

October 2006 | Risk Summary

Constitutional amendments proposed by President Mikhail Saakashvili are under discussion in parliament. The most controversial change would see the President's term shaved by several months, so as to align elections for the position with the parliamentary ballot in 2008. Hot on the heels of a strong performance by Saakashvili's National Movement party in local elections, opposition deputies consider the proposal an attempt by the president to consolidate his personal authority. Facing a strong majority government in parliament, which enjoys considerable support in the West, we expect the opposition will likely struggle to exert a great deal of influence, making an

If you would like to subscribe to Russia and CIS Monitor and gain instant access to this article, please click here to subscribe.

If you would like to take a trial to Russia and CIS Monitor please click on the trial link below.