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Georgia Election Results Disputed Amidst Protests and Allegations
Georgia's parliamentary elections sparked controversy, with opposition rejecting results amid allegations of vote rigging and clashes erupting during the confirmation meeting.
English
United States
PoliticsUs PoliticsElectionsControversyProtestsGeorgia
Georgian Dream PartyCentral Electoral CommissionUnited National Movement PartyEuropean UnionKremlin
Giorgi KalandarishviliDavid KirtadzeBidzina IvanishviliSalome Zourabichvili
- What were the results of the Georgian parliamentary elections?
- Georgia's parliamentary elections on October 26th resulted in a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party, securing 53.93% of the vote. However, the opposition rejected these results, citing allegations of vote rigging.
- What accusations have been made against the ruling Georgian Dream party?
- Critics accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, of increasingly authoritarian tendencies and leaning towards Moscow. They point to recently adopted laws restricting freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
- What actions took place during the meeting to confirm the election results?
- The announcement of the election results led to protests outside the Central Electoral Commission building in Tbilisi. During a meeting to confirm the results, a member of the opposition party threw black paint at the commission chairman.
- What observations did European election observers make about the Georgian elections?
- European election observers noted a "divisive" atmosphere during the elections, citing instances of bribery, double voting, and physical violence. The vote was largely seen as a referendum on Georgia's EU membership bid, which was suspended earlier in the year.
- What is President Zourabichvili's stance on the election results and Georgia's EU aspirations?
- President Salome Zourabichvili, who rejected the official results, believes Georgia is facing pressure from Moscow to hinder its EU aspirations. She has called on the US and EU to support the ongoing demonstrations.