Tbilisi, Nov 02: Georgians voted in parliamentary elections today that are seen as a test of strength for politicians seeking to succeed President Eduard Shevardnadze when he steps down in two years after a quarter century in power. Fourteen parties and seven coalitions are competing in the election in this former Soviet Republic of 4.4 million. Long lines of voters snaked outside some polling places in the capital Tbilisi even before polls opened at 8 am (0930 IST). They will close at 8 pm (2130 IST).

Georgians were simultaneously voting in a referendum on cutting the number of legislators from 235 to 150 by the 2007 parliamentary elections. Shevardnadze has said a vote to shrink the Parliament "will be the start of constitutional reform." The President cast his vote early today.

"The opposition has good chances of picking up a large number of votes," he acknowledged to reporters after casting his ballot.

On the eve of the election, Shevardnadze made a televised appeal to Georgians to go to the polls, saying the elections "should be democratic and fair." He vowed that the authorities "will not allow any destabilization."

Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili said police would be posted outside every polling station but would enter only in case of emergency. Bureau Report