Georgia’s ruling party is ahead in Saturday’s crucial parliamentary elections, with around 70% of votes counted.
The electoral commission said Georgian Dream – which promotes cooperation with Russia – is in the lead with 53%, although parts of the splintered opposition also claimed victory.
The electoral alliance Unity, which also includes the opposition United National Movement party, reportedly received around 10% of the vote, behind the Coalition for Change camp with around 11%.
According to preliminary figures, voter turnout in the elections was approximately 59%.
A resounding victory for Georgian Dream could threaten the country’s chances of joining the European Union after the party passed a number of controversial laws in recent years.
