Interior Minister: Our citizens will vote in democratic, free environment

Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who has cast his ballot at Mtatsminda polling station No. 5 in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, said law enforcers will ensure that today’s by-elections are held in a democratic and free environment.

The Interior Ministry and police will fully ensure a safe environment on election day”, Gakharia said,

He also stressed that citizens will have the opportunity to vote in a democratic and free environment, despite the risks and provocations that may take place during the day.

Minister Gakharia said the number of observers is "unprecedentedly" high in Zugdidi, one of the five municipalities where the local population is electing a new mayor.

He said law enforcers will be mobilised all across the country to ensure safety, including in Zugdidi.

Any incident that may happen, will it be provocations or violation of law, will be strictly and rapidly responded by the police and the interior ministry”, Gakharia said.

He then referred to yesterday’s incident in Zugdidi, when two men fired a gun several times on Chavchavadze Street and then ran away.

The two, identified as I.Ch and B.G., were detained late yesterday. An investigation is underway. If found guilty, they may face from four to seven years of prison.