TBILISI, DFWatch — The Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara on Sunday held its first session, with all 21 members attending.

As a result of the parliamentary election on October 1, the Georgian Dream coalition received 57.6 percent of votes in Adjara, while the National Movement party received 37 percent by the proportional system. There were six districts for majoritarian candidates; three of them won by Georgian Dream candidates, the rest won by the National Movement. The coalition has 13 mandates in total, and UNM 8 mandates.

The first session of the Supreme Council was scheduled for Sunday. New Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili attended the session as a guest, as well as clerics, diplomatic corps and non-governmental sector representatives.

The session was held in the small town Chakvi. The first session dealt with staffing of the Supreme Council; the authority of council members was recognized and the chair of the supreme council elected; as well as his deputy. The was also selected chairs of commissions and registering of factions.

The Council elected Avtandil Beridze, Georgian Dream representative, who used to be member of the Republican Party, as chair of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara by 13 votes against 0. No other candidates were proposed for the post.

“We will work for the benefit of people,” he said.

Four factions were set up in the council – three staffed by Georgian Dream members, one by National Movement representatives.

Adjara is a small region on the Black Sea coast with a population of up to 400 000. The Autonomous Republic of Adjara was established as a part of Georgia under the Soviet Union.