Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia’s capital on Monday, continuing protests against the ruling party’s declared victory in the 26th October parliamentary election amid accusations of Russian interference in the voting process.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Georgian parliament to demand a new election under international supervision and an investigation into the alleged fraud, waving Georgian and European Union flags.
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Unity National Movement Coalition, promised that the opposition would “fight until the end.”
“Elections were massively rigged, that is why we don’t recognise election results,” he said. “Our goal is new elections, our goal is to form a new government, which will drive Georgia to European integration.”
Opposition leaders have pledged to boycott parliamentary sessions and organise regular protests until their demands are met.
The Central Election Commission announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party won around 54% of the vote, but party leaders deny the fraud allegations.
European election observers reported that the election took place in a “divisive” climate, with instances of bribery, double voting, and physical violence. The opposition claims that Georgian Dream, a party founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia, is increasingly authoritarian and leaning towards Moscow. Recently, the party has passed laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to curb freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
President Salome Zourabichvili, who does not recognise the official results, argued that Georgia is under Moscow’s pressure to prevent EU integration. Zourabichvili, in her largely symbolic role, has called on the United States and EU to support the protests.
Officials in Washington and Brussels have requested a comprehensive investigation into the election, while the Kremlin denies any involvement.
For many Georgians, the parliamentary election was a critical test of the nation’s commitment to joining the EU. The EU indefinitely suspended Georgia’s membership application in June after the passage of a Russian-style “foreign influence law.”
Lawmakers from several EU countries attended Monday’s rally to show solidarity with the demonstrators.
“Somebody is trying to take your freedom, somebody is trying to take your democracy, your country, your membership in EU and NATO,” Lithuanian parliament member Zygimantas Pavilionis told the crowd.
“Don’t give up. Fight for your freedom, fight for your democracy, fight for your country, fight for your membership in EU and NATO.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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