Voters in Georgia deciding fate of government

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in an election that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government.

His party, which has dominated parliament, is facing a serious challenge from an opposition coalition led by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili.

With the country on edge and fears of fraud running high, Monday's election is seen as a test of Saakashvili's commitment to democracy as Georgia strives for eventual membership in the European Union and NATO.

The election sets in motion a change in the political system to give greater powers to the parliament and prime minister. After Saakashvili's second term ends next year, the party that holds the majority in parliament will have the right to name the prime minister, who will become more powerful than the president.