Saakashvili Declared Victor in Georgia Vote

Official results today showed Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili won re-election with 52.8% of the vote, thus avoiding a runoff election that could've given detractors the chance to unite behind a single candidate, the BBC reports. Protesters claimed foul play, opposition leaders alleged unfair conditions and violations, and main challenger Levan Gachechiladze spoke of "terror" at the polls.

A European election watchdog, meanwhile, gave a reserved approval, and said the outcome should be respect—while pointing out "significant challenges" and an “inequitable campaign environment.” Gachechiladze placed a distant second, with 27% of the vote. (More Georgia stories.)