Georgians march in poll protest

Demonstrators said the future of Georgia was at stake

Crowds of protesters gathered in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on Tuesday, claiming that Sunday's general election was tarnished by fraud.

Two days after the poll, election officials say they have counted only half the votes - and have given the lead to the pro-government bloc of President Eduard Shevardnadze.

International observers have said the election was marred by "spectacular" flaws, amid widespread claims of election fraud and polling booth irregularities.

An estimated 10,000 people gathered for Tuesday's demonstration, chanting "Down with Shevardnadze" as they marched through the streets of Tbilisi.

Critics say some voters were prevented from casting their ballots because they did not appear on official lists.

We must demonstrate to the authorities that we no longer want to live under the old regime, that we want a new Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili National Movement leader

Other opposition supporters said they suffered intimidation, and there were claims of ballot boxes being stuffed with forged votes.

Speakers who addressed the crowd said the future of the ex-Soviet state was at stake.

"They falsified the election," said opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili, whose National Movement party is in second place.

"We must demonstrate to the authorities that we no longer want to live under the old regime, that we want a new Georgia."

We are ready to fight to the very end. It's our last chance Zurab Zhvania Former parliamentary speaker

"I appeal to you to defend your own votes, the dignity of your country, and the future of our children," said another opposition leader, parliament speaker Nino Burdzhanadze.

And former speaker Zurab Zhvania told the crowd: "We are ready to fight to the very end. It's our last chance."

Election officials say Mr Shevardnadze's For a New Georgia bloc has 26.6% of the 50% of the votes counted so far.

Early results show Shevardnadze bloc ahead

The National Movement was on 22% and the Labour Party on 14%.

Ms Burdzhanadze's party, the Democrats, had a showing of 9%.

No date has been given for a final result.

The protesters taking part in Tuesday's action marched through Tbilisi to the city's Freedom Square.

Riot police joined other officers on the streets, but reporters said there were no early signs of unrest.

Election monitors from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said on Monday

"The irregularities... reflect a lack of collective political will and administrative capacity for running elections," said mission head Julian Peel Yates.