06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

2004 presidential election demonstrated notable progress; while the voting process itself was excellent in the majority of regions, there were significant irregularities in Kvemo Kartli ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19389]

"The OSCE reported that the 2004 presidential election demonstrated notable progress, although time constraints limited administrative improvements since previous elections. The OSCE noted a continued lack of separation between state administration and political party structures and the tendency to misuse state administration resources. The voter register also continued to be incomplete and sometimes inaccurate. While the OSCE reported the voting process itself was excellent in the majority of regions, there were significant irregularities in Kvemo Kartli, and the worst irregularities were recorded in Ajara, where no pre-election registration was conducted and little or no campaigning occurred."

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2004 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Measures taken by Saakashvili for implementation of far-reaching political and economic reforms critized to be anti-democratic ("Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Europe, Central Asia and North America, Report 2004 (Events of 2003)") [#21453],  [ID 4735]

"On 4 January 2004, new presidential elections were held, with Saakashvili winning with an overwhelming majority. Officially, the voter turnout amounted to 83%, of whom 96% voted for Saakashvili.
Soon after taking office, President Mikheil Saakashvili declared measures for the implementation of far-reaching political and economic reforms in Georgia. The fast pace of these triggered criticism that he was embracing anti-democratic methods in order to promote democracy. These measures included constitutional changes that allegedly enhanced executive authority at the expense of the legislative and judicial branches of government."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

28.02.2004 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Final report on 4 January extraordinary presidential elections (legal framework, election administration, media, disputes, gender issues, participation of women, minorities) ("Extraordinary Presidential Elections 4 January 2004 - OSCE/ODIHR Final Report") [#20121],  [ID 4736]

Document(s): Open document

07.01.2004 - Source: Civil Georgia

According to the Central Election Commission, with almost 80% of votes counted, Mikheil Saakashvili received 96,8% of support in Sunday’s presidential elections ("With Most of the Votes Counted Saakashvili’s Victory Beyond Doubt") [#18613],  [ID 4737]

Document(s): Open document

06.01.2004 - Source: Civil Georgia

Western observers say the Georgia´s provisional authorities have passed the first test in democracy, as no major violations have been reported during the January 4 presidential elections. ("Observers Hail Presidential Polls: Real Tests Lie Ahead, as Parliamentary Elections Loom") [#18612],  [ID 4738]

Document(s): Open document

05.01.2004 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on 4 January 2004 presidential elections ("Presidential Elections 4 January 2004 - OSCE/ODIHR Preliminary Statement") [#18561],  [ID 4739]

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2004 - Source: Civil Georgia

The preliminary results of the exit polls suggest that frontrunner presidential candidate Mikheil Saakashvili received 85,8% of votes in Sunday’s snap presidential elections ("Exit Polls Suggests Saakashvili’s Overwhelming Victory") [#18412],  [ID 4740]

Document(s): Open document

23.12.2003 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Georgians are almost certain to elect Mikael Saakashvili as their president on the January 4 presidential election ("Uphill Task for Next Georgian President") [#18361],  [ID 4741]

Document(s): Open document

26.11.2003 - Source: Civil Georgia

Political opposition announced Mikheil Saakaschwili as their single candidate to run for presidential elections ("Saakashvili Runs for Presidency") [#17834],  [ID 4742]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

24.11.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Report on the events that led to Eduard Shevardnadze’s resignation; new presidential elections must be held within 45 days ("Shevardnadze's resignation resolves constitutional deadlock") [#17797],  [ID 4743]

Document(s): Open document

30.06.2003 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Assessment for the upcoming Presidential Elections on 2 November 2003 ("Presidential Election 2 November 2003 - OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report") [#16553],  [ID 4744]

Document(s): Open document