7 CONTENDERS TO RUN FOR GEORGIAN PRESIDENT

Seven contenders produced to the Central Election Committee (CEC) 50 000 signatures essential for the official registration for the participation in the presidential election in Georgia. These are united nominee of National Movement and Burdzhanadze – Democrats blocs Mikhail Saakashvili, wife of the ex-chief of the state security Ketevan Georgadze, President’s former commissioner in the Imereti region and most likely Saakashvili’s rival Teymuraz Shashiashvili, Kartlos Garibashvili (Union of Georgian Lawers), Roin Liparteliani (Society of David the Builder), Zurab Kelekhsashvili (Mdzleveli political league) and Zaza Sikharulidze (Union of God’s children). Within five days the CEC will examine all the document presented for the registration of the presidential contenders and take the corresponding decision December 17. To note, 15 people appealed for registration as the nominees. Two of them withdrew their candidacy, 6 others – Yuri Mkrtumian, an Armenian residing in Tbilisi was among them – did not submit the signatures of their supporters. To note, presidential election in Georgia is planned January 4 2004.