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Georgia president 'wins election' Georgia president 'wins election'
(about 1 hour later)
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili appears to have come first in a snap poll, but it is unclear if he received enough votes to avoid a run-off.Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili appears to have come first in a snap poll, but it is unclear if he received enough votes to avoid a run-off.
According to the country's main exit poll he won just over 50% of the vote, which if confirmed by final results would give him outright victory.According to the country's main exit poll he won just over 50% of the vote, which if confirmed by final results would give him outright victory.
The vote is being seen as a test for democracy in the ex-Soviet republic.The vote is being seen as a test for democracy in the ex-Soviet republic.
But opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze has accused the authorities of trying to rig the vote.But opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze has accused the authorities of trying to rig the vote.
The authorities have denied this but the BBC's Matthew Collin in Tbilisi says that after a bitter and divisive election the dispute seems certain to continue.The authorities have denied this but the BBC's Matthew Collin in Tbilisi says that after a bitter and divisive election the dispute seems certain to continue.
It remains to be seen whether Mr Saakashvili has won by enough votes to be re-elected without a second round and whether the opposition will accept the result.It remains to be seen whether Mr Saakashvili has won by enough votes to be re-elected without a second round and whether the opposition will accept the result.
'Big lie''Big lie'
Incomplete exit polls give Mr Saakashvili 53.5% and Mr Gachechiladze 23.1% of the vote. A final exit poll is expected shortly.Incomplete exit polls give Mr Saakashvili 53.5% and Mr Gachechiladze 23.1% of the vote. A final exit poll is expected shortly.
Georgians in Tbilisi talk about their voting intentions In picturesGeorgians in Tbilisi talk about their voting intentions In pictures
But analysts are urging caution as more than 20% of respondents refused to say who they voted for.But analysts are urging caution as more than 20% of respondents refused to say who they voted for.
An opposition spokeswoman described the exit polls as a "big lie".An opposition spokeswoman described the exit polls as a "big lie".
Mr Saakashvili called the election after huge opposition protests were suppressed in November, in an attempt to prove his democratic credentials.Mr Saakashvili called the election after huge opposition protests were suppressed in November, in an attempt to prove his democratic credentials.
Along with the presidential election, Georgians are being asked to vote on whether they should have a parliamentary election in the coming months, and whether the country should join Nato.Along with the presidential election, Georgians are being asked to vote on whether they should have a parliamentary election in the coming months, and whether the country should join Nato.
Hundreds of foreign observers are monitoring the ballot.Hundreds of foreign observers are monitoring the ballot.
HAVE YOUR SAY I have voted for the future, for democracy. There is a great change in Georgia and I support all of it Otto, London Send us your comments
Mr Saakashvili, a US-educated lawyer, came to power after street protests in 2003, dubbed the Rose Revolution.Mr Saakashvili, a US-educated lawyer, came to power after street protests in 2003, dubbed the Rose Revolution.
His term as president has seen Georgia strengthen its ties with Nato and the European Union.His term as president has seen Georgia strengthen its ties with Nato and the European Union.
But relations with Moscow have soured and Georgia's economy has been badly hit by a Russian ban on Georgian goods.But relations with Moscow have soured and Georgia's economy has been badly hit by a Russian ban on Georgian goods.