Ruling party claims lead in key Georgia election as polls close

Polls closed in Georgia’s landmark parliamentary election on Saturday, with the ruling Georgian Dream party claiming a lead.

Exit polls reported by the Imedi television channel gave the party 56% of the vote, but other broadcasters said it achieved around 40%.

The party, which favours co-operation with Russia, celebrated in Tbilisi with fireworks shortly after polls closed at 8 pm (1600 GMT).

According to Imedi, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties received 11.6% of the vote in exit polls.

The first official results were expected later on Saturday.

Polls closed in Georgia’s landmark parliamentary election on Saturday, with the ruling Georgian Dream party claiming a lead.

Exit polls reported by the Imedi television channel gave the party 56% of the vote, but other broadcasters said it achieved around 40%.

The party, which favours co-operation with Russia, celebrated in Tbilisi with fireworks shortly after polls closed at 8 pm (1600 GMT).

According to Imedi, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties received 11.6% of the vote in exit polls.

The first official results were expected later on Saturday.