According to results from 1769 polling stations, the Georgian Central Election Committee reported that the number of votes given in favor of Mikheil Saakashvili during the presidential election on 5 January has reached 551 thousand 193 (50.26%).
Levan Gachechiladze, the main opposition candidate, received 280 thousand 042 votes or 25.53%.
The other candidates came up with the following results: Akrady Patarkatsishvili – 6.91% (75 735 votes), Shalva Natelashvili – 6.77% (74 216 votes), David Gamkrelidze 3.92% (42 971 votes), Georgy Maisashvili 0.79% (8 672 votes), Irina Sarishvili-Chanturia 0.31% (3 379 votes).
To win the election a candidate has to receive 50% and 1 vote. Otherwise, a second round follows within 2 weeks.
Levan Gachechiladze outstrips Saakashvili in the capital and falls behind in the regions, Novosti Georgia reports.
The poll is still underway.
