abcnews.go.com
Georgia Election Protests
Georgian opposition protests against alleged Russian-backed election rigging.
English
United States
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsRussiaElectionProtestsGeorgia
Georgian DreamLelo Strong Georgia CoalitionUnited National Movement CoalitionCentral Election CommissionEuropean Union
Badri JaparidzeSalome ZourabichviliBidzina IvanishviliGiorgi VashadzeTornike Tsiramua
- What are the protesters' main demands?
- The protesters demanded a new election under international supervision and an investigation into alleged ballot irregularities, vowing to boycott parliament and continue protests until their demands are met.
- What are the accusations against the ruling party?
- Opposition leaders accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarianism and pro-Moscow leanings, citing recently adopted laws restricting free speech and LGBTQ+ rights; they also allege election interference from Russia.
- Why are thousands of people protesting in Georgia?
- Thousands of opposition supporters in Georgia protested for a second consecutive Monday, denouncing the October 26 parliamentary election as illegitimate due to allegations of vote-rigging aided by Russia.
- What role did international observers play, and what were their findings?
- International observers reported a "divisive" election atmosphere with instances of bribery, double voting, and violence, particularly in rural areas, leading the EU to indefinitely suspend Georgia's membership application.
- What is the status of Georgia's relationship with the EU and Russia, and how does this relate to the election?
- President Salome Zourabichvili, who rejected the official results, urged the US and EU for support, while Washington and Brussels called for a full investigation, and the Kremlin denied interference; Georgia's prosecutors launched an investigation, but the opposition contested its independence.