Simultaneous Votes

January 2007 | Risk Summary

Presidential elections will be held simultaneously with a parliamentary ballot, in October 2008, after President Mikhail Saakashvili won support for his proposal. Saakashvili claims the decision is motivated by a desire to minimise electoral spending, though opposition parties claim it is designed to shore up support for his ruling National Movement party. Saakashvili remains a popular politician in the country, and this could influence voters in choosing a party. We consider the incumbent clear favourites in both ballots, though the ongoing dispute with Russia could yet lead to public discontent if livelihoods begin to

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