Tbilisi previously denounced South Ossetian plans to vote on joining Russia as "unacceptable."

There are few routes out of Russia for those wishing to leave now. Western airspace is largely closed to Russian carriers.

Chanting Saakashvili's name, about 40,000 demonstrators flooded on Monday evening into Tbilisi's Freedom Square.

The elections were held in a tense atmosphere after the arrest of former president Mikheil Saakashvili.

Organizers accused the prime minister of encouraging homophobic sentiments and his government of failing to "protect fundamental human rights."

Nika Melia's arrest sparked swift condemnation from the opposition and Western diplomats.