Georgia's presidential election to test Saakashvili's commitment to democracy

Mikhail Saakashvili became a symbol of democratic reform in the former Soviet Union in 2003, after the brash young politician led large-scale street protests that ousted a graying veteran of the Communist era from power.

Now, the hero of Georgia's Rose Revolution faces a test of his own commitment to democracy in the Jan. 5 presidential election, in which he is accused of silencing critics and restricting independent media.

Despite sinking approval ratings, the U.S.-educated incumbent stands a good chance of winning a second term, benefiting from the failure of the opposition to unite around a single candidate.

But Saakashvili's credentials as a …