Georgia’s Interior Ministry: Situation under control in Marneuli

A physical confrontation has erupted at an election station in southern Georgia’s Marneuli district this evening, injuring several police officers.

The country's Ministry of Internal Affairs said supporters of opposition United National Movement party (UNM) and election bloc Paata Burchuladze - State for People attacked #48 polling station in Kizilajlo Village, which is mainly populated by ethnic Azerbaijanis. 

Police said the group were "very violent" and they threw stones at the polling station, shattering several windows. The Ministry said the hooligans intended to steal the ballot box. 

Police entered the building to defend the ballot box however the attackers threw stones at the law enforcers.

The Interior Ministry said several police officers, including the Chief of Marneuli Police, were injured in the attack.

A short time ago the Ministry said the mob had been dispersed and the situation was now "under control". 

"The attackers failed to steal the ballot box,” said the Ministry.

A spokesperson from the Central Election Commission confirmed the ballot box remained in place and had not been stolen.

Additional police forces have been sent to Marneuli area to keep the peace.