Georgia: Presidential run-off election to be held November 28 /update 1

Event

Georgia will host a run-off presidential election on Wednesday, November 28. Officials have announced Wednesday will be a "non-working" public holiday; as such, business and transportation disruptions are possible. An increased security presence is likely at polling stations and election-related events in the coming days.

Context

Results from the first round of the presidential elections on October 28 have shown two leading candidates, Salome Zurabishvili, supported by the ruling Georgian Dream party, and Grigol Vashadze of the United National Movement party, separated by less than one percentage point. Election monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) indicated the vote took place freely although actions on behalf of the campaigns leading up to the vote were "not always in line with the law." Despite no reports of violence between supporters of either of the leading candidates, feelings between the parties remain contentious ahead of the run-off election.

Advice

Individuals in Georgia are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.