Ally of Billionaire Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Set To Lead Georgia
Winning 64% of votes based on partial counting, Giorgi Margvelashvili is set to win the Georgian presidential elections.
Reports say the Mr. Margvelashvili garnered the majority of the votes based at 12% of polling stations counted.
His closest rival, David Bakradze garnered 21% based on partial results.
The election is describes as an end to ten-year old power for outgoing leader President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Who is Mr Margvelashvili?
Mr. Mragvelashvili is a member Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Dream Party.
The 44-year-old Giorgi Margvelashvili is a former education minister under Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream coalition.
US Congratulates Gerogia for Peaceful Presidential Election
Saying the election was representation of the will of the Georgian people, the United States congratulated the citizens of Georgia on their peaceful presidential election.
In her press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki says the world has witnessed another historic day for all Georgians and an important step in Georgia’s democratic development and its embrace of Euro-Atlantic institutions.
The US supports the OSCE’s international election observation mission and its assessment that the election was “efficiently administered, transparent, and took place in an amicable and constructive environment.”
“However, we also note the assessment’s concerns, including allegations of political pressure at the local level.” – Ms. Psaki
She says the US look sforward to working with the President-elect, the government, Parliament, and the people of Georgia, to build upon our strong strategic partnership, to foster Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and to continue to support a brighter future for the Georgian people.
US and Georgia Collaborate in Advancing Democracy
The relationship between Georgia and the United States stands on a foundation of shared values and common interests. The Charter that countries signed in January 2009 has given them a framework for further developing our cooperation.
The United States remains committed to Georgia’s aspirations for membership in NATO, as reflected in the Alliance’s decisions in Bucharest and Strasbourg-Kehl.
US strongly supports Georgia’s efforts related to its Annual National Program, which promotes defense reform and guides cooperation with NATO.
