A man casts the ballot in No. 27 polling station during the ongoing presidential election at Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia on Jan. 5. [Photo: Xinhua]

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The ongoing presidential election in Georgia is "free and fair", former president Mikhail Saakashvili said on Saturday after casting his ballot in the No. 19 polling station in the capital city of the Caucasus nation.

"This is already the most competitive election in Georgia," he told reporters after voting, accompanied by his wife and two sons.

"Georgia is a great success story for this region, now it's up to the people of Georgia to decide whether the success will continue, as it was going on till now," he said.

"We are confident, we think our election is well free and fair, we are committed to have free and fair election, we are committed to have Georgia as a beacon of democracy for other parts of the world," he said.

The U.S.-educated former lawyer was criticized by the West following last November's street protest that was cracked down by riot police.

Saakashvili, who's seeking re-election in the snap polling called by himself last November, defended his reputation by hailing robust economy.

"I don't think our reputation needs improvement. Georgia is a beacon of democracy, a beacon of economic reforms. Georgia is the most spectacular case of development worldwide," he said, noting economic growth in 2007 is soaring at a 14 percent growth rate.

The former president also pledged to improve relations with Moscow which was damaged by arrays of rows such as Georgia's seeking of NATO membership and Russia's economic embargo against the former Soviet member.

"We want good relations with Russia, but it must be based on Georgia's independence, sovereignty and the European future," he said.

Some 3.3 million eligible voters of the 4.7 million population are encouraged to vote at more than 3,500 polling stations, including over 40 abroad, the election watchdog said.

Polls before voting showed that Saakashvili is topping the candidate list with a more than 40 percent supports. But he has to win 50 percent plus one vote to be re-elected. Otherwise, a run-off polling will be held between the top two candidates.

The opposition has, ahead of the election, voiced plans to protest against the election on Jan. 6, alleging it was rigged by the administration.