TBILISI, November 9 (RIA Novosti) - A 15-day state of emergency imposed in Georgia on Wednesday amid mass anti-government rallies could be lifted ahead of time, the chief of the presidential staff said on Friday.

Speaking live on state television, Yekaterina Sharashidze said: "The measures taken by the Georgian authorities have stabilized the situation in Tbilisi. Life has also returned to normal in the country's other regions."

She quoted President Mikheil Saakashvili, 39, as saying that in view of the calm situation, two days after the rallies, the emergency regime could be lifted ahead of time.

Georgia's parliament, dominated by presidential supporters, formally backed the state of emergency earlier today in a 149-0 vote.

Saakhashvili's decision to declare a state of emergency, which includes a ban on demonstrations and non-state news broadcasts, has been criticized by Russia and Western countries. In a bid to ease the domestic crisis and international concerns, the president pledged on Thursday not to continue the measures any longer than necessary.

Saakashvili said political parties already have unrestricted access to mass media, both state-controlled and independent.

Also on Thursday, Saakashvili announced early presidential polls for January 5 and proposed holding a plebiscite on the date of parliamentary elections. Protesters in Tbilisi had demanded early parliamentary polls and the president's resignation.

The opposition, who discontinued protests following yesterday's announcements, said on Friday they will start dialogue with the government after the emergency rule is cancelled.

A total of 16 people including four police officers injured in clashes on Wednesday remain in hospital, according to the Georgian Health Ministry. About 600 people have sought medical treatment since Wednesday, when police fired tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

U.S.-educated Saakashvili, who himself was swept to power by massive street protests in 2002, has gradually lost popular support at home and abroad, over accusations of authoritarianism and failed economic reforms. Relations with neighboring Russia have hit all-time lows under his leadership.