Tbilisi, Nov 25: Georgia's Parliament today scheduled a presidential election for January 4 following the ouster of Eduard Shevardnadze, a move the interim leadership said would put the former Soviet Republic firmly on the path to democracy. Georgia's acting President Nino Burjanadze, a potential candidate in the election, promised lawmakers that the presidential vote would take place in a calm and democratic manner following weeks of opposition protests that led to Shevardnadze's resignation. "We are going to hold democratic and fair elections within the next few weeks. I'm going to do everything to maintain stability and peace in the country," she told lawmakers.


"The path of democracy is irreversible this time. I'm sure that after (the presidential elections) we will build the foundation of a Democratic Georgia," added Burjanadze. Burjanadze, to whom Shevardnadze handed over power after mounting opposition protests at alleged fraud in parliamentary elections, said earlier that Tbilisi would be seek financial aid to pull the country back from the brink of economic collapse. "We intend to ask for the help of the international community," Burjanadze said during a televised meeting at the presidency.


The Supreme Court earlier annulled the disputed November 2 legislative elections on grounds of fraud. No date was set for a new election to the legislature.


Bureau Report