Georgia's billionaire opposition leader refuses to vote October 1, 2012 - 15:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia's billionaire opposition coalition leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has refused to vote in the country's parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported. “Our authorities have changed Georgia's constitution a thousand times, tailoring it to their needs,Ivanishvili explained. "You remember how they have crippled it. I did not use the given opportunity. I came to politics not for unfairness but to restore justice.” Ivanishvili’s wife, Yekaterina Khvedelidze, cast her vote, but gave no comments to the media on her husband’s actions. Ivanishvili currently holds French citizenship. The Georgian authorities refused to restore his Georgian citizenship, but in May 2012 the country’s parliament adopted a constitutional amendment allowing EU citizens who were born in Georgia, and who have lived there for the last five years, to vote and stand in parliamentary and presidential elections. Arguing that these amendments were made specifically for him, Ivanishvili criticized the changes and said he was refusing to vote.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive”  At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments.OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg.151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |
