Russian/Eng/Nat Politicians are wrapping up their presidential campaign in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. President Eduard Shevardnadze is expected to beat main opponent Dzhumber Paatiashvili in Sunday's poll. In an exclusive interview, the Georgian leader has told APTV that the future of his country depends on him. For a country which has suffered four years of civil war and economic hardship, Georgia has an untroubled air on the eve of its first Presidential elections. The streets of the capital, Tbilisi, are plastered with campaign posters for the various candidates but for many Georgians, there's only one man capable of saving the country: Eduard Shevardnadze. In his final campaign rally before Sunday's poll, Shevardnadze told a packed hall in the capital that he is the only man who can guide the country its current crisis. Three years ago there was anarchy. He blames the horrendous economic situation on criminal gangs. Surrounded by heavy security following attempts on his life, Shevardnadze said that although the situation is slowly improving the next few years would be crucial to Georgia's future. SOUNDBITE (Russian): "The next four of five years will decide the fate of the country. The rebuilding of the country, of the economy, escaping the crisis which we're in, restoring good order under which people can live ." SUPERCAPTION: Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgian leader The former Soviet foreign minister is expected to become Georgia's first elected president Sunday, drawing support from all sections of Georgian society. SOUNDBITE (English): "He's the only one who can take Georgia out of this terrible situation. We don't have any other person who is better than him." SUPERCAPTION: Givi, student However, the spectre of Georgia's most infamous son Stalin is never far away. Stalin Party members have been driving an armoured car adorned with their hero's portrait around the capital. And Georgia's opposition politicians allege that Shevardnadze has brought ruin to the country in the same way Stalin brought ruin to the Soviet Union. SOUNDBITE (English): "We don't like his policy of unconditional surrender to Russia which has many results-- many tragic results. Including famine, disorder, letting loose gangs and so on and so on." SUPERCAPTION: Notar Notadze, leader Republican Party In spite of his statements supporting his commitment to democracy, Shevardnadze appears to have little patience for opposition demonstrations. His officers are accused of sending masked police to break up groups of people outside the parliament building Friday morning. It's actions like these that are causing Western electoral observers arriving in Georgia some concern. SOUNDBITE (English: "The policemen in Germany, in America in other countries, they have to do their work, can do their work smoothly, but not so strongly. And they must not be mummies." SUPERCAPTION: Hans Breml, OSCE observer Winding up his campaign for election to the presidency, Eduard Shevardnadze reminded his supporters that he is their only chance for stability and that it is his destiny to rule. SOUNDBITE (Russian): "There are people in this country who want to hinder the process of democracy I don't have the right to get out of politics. My country still needs me." SUPERCAPTION: Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgian leader While many Georgians labour in their Caucasian nation to make ends meet, they are likely to vote in large numbers for Shevardnadze. Opposition parties may be more successful in the parliamentary elections also underway on Sunday. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/5b4dda71fc06a6fa55ddd33c657a8ada Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
• views: 2