Mikheil Saakashvili was elected to his second term as president of the Republic of Georgia.  However, his main opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze claimed that the election was rigged and disputed the results of the vote.

Levan Gachechiladze has promised to challenge the election results through the court system.  He has threatened that he and his supporters would stage hunger strikes and massive protests.  Gachechiladze’s ally, Salome Zurabishvili stated that “the whole of Georgia will be out on the streets” by Sunday,  if the results stood with Saakashavil receiving more than 50% of the vote, which would make Saakashavil the president without having a second round vote.

For more information, please see:

BBC News- Georgia confirms Saakashvili win- 9 January 2008

Guardian Unlimited- Thousands Protest Georgia Election- 6 January 2008

International Herald Tribune (AP)- President Saakashvili says Georgia is on way to democracy- 7 January 2008

The Independent- Hunger strike vow as Saakashvili is declared victor in Georgian poll- 10 January 2008