Anti-government demonstrators in Georgia are gathering for a second day of protests after Sunday\'s general election. Main opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili has told President Eduard Shevardnadze that he must resign by midday on Wednesday or concede victory. Large number of police and security forces were being deployed in the capital, Tbilisi, as protesters gathered ahead of the deadline. Mr Shevardnadze said security forces should do their utmost to prevent \"destabilisation\" of the situation. On Tuesday, up to 15,000 people took to the streets of the former Soviet republic to express their anger at alleged election fraud. By the time of Tuesday\'s protest, election officials said they had counted only half the votes - giving the lead to the pro-government bloc of Mr Shevardnadze. Speakers who addressed the crowd said the future of the ex-Soviet state was at stake. \"They falsified the election,\" said Mr Saakashvili, whose National Movement 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.\" \"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 is leading with about 25% support, the National Movement is on about 23% and the Labour Party on 15%. Ms Burdzhanadze\'s party, the Democrats, had a showing of 9%. Election officials say a final result should be declared later this week, although no date has been given. (BBC)