Salome Zurabishvili, an independent presidential candidate supported by the ruling Georgian Dream Party stated during the briefing at her election headquarters that she was ready for the second round of presidential elections and for the forthcoming struggle.

Zurabishvili said that some might have expected more in the elections. “But securing the first place in the first round is already a victory,” she stated.

Zurabishvili said that Rustavi 2 was releasing the information as if she planned to withdraw her candidacy. “But who I have to cede, to Vashadze or Russia? I will not leave my supporters on the halfway. I am faithful to my people and my country stubbornly. We are ready for the second tour, for the struggle because I believe in you, I believe in your choice, in your wisdom and what you want for Georgia. This is not a choice between two candidates or parties but the choice between two Georgia. We go to the struggle together. Let’s fight for Georgia together,” Zurabishvili claimed.

Zurabishvili said earlier today that she planned to make a statement in the live air at 20:00. “I will make a live televised statement at 20:00 this evening,” Zurabishvili posted on the social networking site Facebook.

The second round of presidential polls will be held in Georgia following the October 28 first round of elections. None of the candidates managed to collect 50% +1 of the votes.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has completed the counting of votes. According to the results of 3705 precincts published by the Commission, Salome Zurabishvili, the presidential candidate supported by the Georgian Dream, is leading with 38, 64 % of votes, while Grigol Vashadze, presidential candidate of the United National Movement, received 37, 74%.

The 615 624 voters supported Salome Zurabishvili and 601 188 – Grigol Vashadze. A total of 3705 polling stations were opened across the country.