Simultaneous Votes

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

To read the full article, please choose one of the following options: