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Saakashvili says he plans to rest from politics after leaving presidential office

“I am not tired but I am overburdened emotionally,” he told journalists after casting his vote in the polls
Photo EPA/GIORGI KAKULIUA PRIME MINISTER PRESS OFFICE
Photo EPA/GIORGI KAKULIUA PRIME MINISTER PRESS OFFICE

TBILISI, October 27 (Itar-Tass) - Georgia’s incumbent President Mikhail Saakashvili said on Sunday, the presidential elections day in the country, he planned to “have some rest from politics” after he quitted presidential office.

“I am not tired but I am overburdened emotionally,” he told journalists after casting his vote in the polls. “Regardless of the results of the last year’s parliamentary elections, I planned to take a break after the presidential polls to have some rest from politics.”

“Georgia now is living though a difficult time of uncertainty,” he said. “For me, it is more important to see Georgia decided on the path of its development rather than what I am to do after my presidential term expires.”

Earlier, Saakashvili said that after leaving the presidential office he planned to devote himself to the development of the system of political education in Georgia, to set up a presidential library and to help the wine-making sector.

If the winner of the presidential race is clear after the first round of voting, a newly elected president will be inaugurated on November 17, and Saakashvili’s terms will expire on that day. Runoff election, if need be, is to be held within two weeks after the Georgian Central Election Commission announced the final results of the first round of voting, which is to be done within 20 days after the election day.