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Georgia's Breakaway South Ossetia Holds Elections


The breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia held elections to its self-styled parliament on June 8.

Georgia -- which doesn't recognize South Ossetia's 2008 declaration of indepedence -- has called the elections illegitimate.

Candidates from nine parties compete for seats in the 34-member parliament in the region's main city, Tskhinvali.

A South Ossetian election official said turnout by the region's estimated 42,000 voters had reached 44 percent by late afternoon.
Analysis: 'Decent Guys' Versus Competent Lawmakers

Preliminary results are expected late on June 8.

One party taking part in the elections, Yedinaya Ossetia, has called for a referendum to be held on joining Russia.

South Ossetia broke away from Georgia after a brief 1992-93 war.

Russia and a few other countries have recognized South Ossetia's independence.
Based on reporting by dpa, ITAR-TASS, Interfax

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