Following Saturday’s contentious parliamentary election, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili urged citizens to protest the results, claiming the process was flawed. Georgia’s Central Election Commission announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party won 54.8% of the vote, which would extend its control for another four years. Observers from Europe reported widespread issues during the election, citing voter intimidation, vote-buying, and violence that created a “climate of hatred and intimidation.”
Critics say the ruling party, led by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has shifted away from Georgia’s pro-European stance toward a more pro-Russia position. European monitors condemned Georgian Dream’s campaign, accusing it of spreading anti-Western messages and restricting freedoms, aligning with recent laws targeting NGOs and the press.
The opposition United National Movement (UNM) refused to concede, claiming Ivanishvili influenced the election outcome. UNM leader Tina Bokuchava alleged the election commission acted under his orders, declaring the results a “stolen victory” that jeopardizes Georgia’s path to the European Union (EU).
The election has raised concerns about Georgia’s EU future. Public support for EU membership remains strong, with 80% favoring integration. However, the ruling party’s actions have pushed the EU to suspend Georgia’s membership bid, a move many fear may leave the country increasingly vulnerable to Russian influence.
Protests are expected to grow, as President Zourabichvili’s call to action echoes discontent across the country.
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