Georgia election: Facts
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TBILISI, Georgia (Reuters) -- Here are some basic facts about Georgia's presidential election on Sunday.
Background: The election was set by Acting President Nino Burdzhanadze after former head of state Eduard Shevardnadze resigned on November 23. Under the constitution, an election date had to be set within 45 days of the resignation.
Electorate: The Central Election Commission says there are about three million eligible voters among the population of 4,489,000.
Polling stations: 2,870 in 75 electoral districts.
Voting hours: Voting opened at 8 a.m. (0400 GMT) and closes at 8 p.m. (1600 GMT).
Last election: Georgia held its last presidential election in April 2000. Eduard Shevardnadze was re-elected for a second and final term with 79 percent of the vote in the first round.
Rules: Under the constitution, presidential elections in Georgia are held every five years. The term in office is five years. The president is limited to a maximum of two terms. A majority of voters must participate nationwide or the vote is annulled and repeated within two months. A candidate must get at least 50 percent plus one vote to be elected in the first round.
Second round: A second round of voting between the top two vote-winners is held two weeks after the first round if no candidate receives a majority in the first round. The candidate who wins a majority wins the election.
Observers: About 450 foreign observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Council of Europe will monitor voting. Several smaller foreign observer groups will also be on hand, along with a large contingent of observers from various domestic non-governmental organisations.
Results: First partial unofficial results are expected to be available on Monday, January 5. Final official results are due within a week after the election.
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Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
