The United States and European Union have called for a thorough investigation into reported violations in Georgia’s recent parliamentary election, which has sparked widespread protests and a political standoff in the capital, Tbilisi. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili urged citizens to protest the disputed election results on Monday, citing concerns about democratic integrity.
Preliminary results showed the ruling Georgian Dream party, which Zourabichvili has often criticised for its pro-Russian stance, secured nearly 54% of the vote, an outcome the opposition claims was tainted by irregularities.
Observers, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have echoed calls for a full investigation. Blinken emphasised the importance of respecting the rule of law and urged Georgia’s leaders to address electoral deficiencies and repeal any legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms.
“Going forward, we encourage Georgia’s political leaders to respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and address deficiencies in the electoral process together,” Blinken said in a statement.
Similarly, the European Union released a joint statement with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, stressing that Georgia must uphold the rights and freedoms of its citizens, especially given the country’s historical orientation toward the West.
“The EU recalls that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and runs counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded, must be repealed,” the European Commission said in a joint statement with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Zourabichvili, a former Georgian Dream ally and independent president since 2018, urged her countrymen to protest, declaring that the elections were not legitimate.
Georgia, historically one of the most pro-Western post-Soviet states, has faced pressure to either continue deepening ties with the EU or lean toward Russia, particularly after Russia’s 2008 invasion and backing of two separatist Georgian regions. Meanwhile, the election turmoil in Georgia coincides with Moldova’s narrow approval for EU accession, a move that Moldovan officials claim was obstructed by Russian interference. The developments underscore challenges facing the EU’s expansion efforts into former Soviet territories where Russian influence remains strong.
Melissa Enoch
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