Political parties react to Marneuli clash

Peace has returned to a polling station in Marneuli where a violent clash erupted earlier this evening, but no parties are taking responsibility for the action.

Opposition United National Movement (UNM) party denied its supporters were involved in the incident where several police officers were injured after being hit by stones and other debris.

About 6pm crowds of young men were heard shouting ‘Misha’, the name of ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili who was the founder and leader of UNM.

This evening UNM denied its supporters were involved in the clash.

A short time ago Georgia’s Interior Ministry said the participants of the Marneuli incident were supporters of UNM and opposition election bloc Paata Burchuladze - State for People.

One of UNM’s leaders Giorgi Tugushi denied this and said the confrontation was between supporters of Burchuladze’s bloc and ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party.

Tugushi alleged the ballot box had disappeared from the polling station however this was refuted by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Immediately after the incident a CEC spokesperson confirmed the ballot box remained protected at the polling station.

Ruling Party reacts

After hearing Tugushi’s comments, GDDG Executive Secretary Irakli Kobakhidze said UNM should be ashamed of falsely accusing GDDG of being involved.

Kobakhidze said about 100 UNM supporters attacked the voting station to "intentionally cause tension”. He said GDDG had warned its supporters in Marneuli to be careful and not become a victim of provocation by other political supporters.

Burchuladze speaks out

Burchuladze, leader of the Paata Burchuladze - State for People election bloc, did not deny his supporters were involved but said they there "to restore justice”. 

He accused the Government of falsifying the elections.

"I’m urging the special forces not to touch the peaceful public who want to restore justice. Today the Government is in trouble and when it’s in trouble it uses such methods.”