In Georgia, the opposition is rejecting the recent parliamentary election results, alleging manipulation and calling for protests, supported by the EU. President Salome Zurabishvili condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party’s actions, likening them to Russian tactics. Opposition members plan to forgo parliamentary seats and seek international support for new elections. Despite concerns over voter intimidation and electoral violations noted by international observers, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban intends to visit Tbilisi amid escalating tensions between pro-European and pro-Russian factions.
Protests Erupt in Georgia as Opposition Rejects Election Results Amidst International Concerns
The political climate in Georgia is tense as the opposition refuses to accept the recent parliamentary elections’ outcome, announcing plans for demonstrations. The European Union has extended its support to the opposition while the Georgian government anticipates a visit from Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to show solidarity.
Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili expressed that her country is a victim of “Russia’s hybrid war,” during her statement on the election results released by the Central Election Commission. The ruling Georgian Dream party received approximately 55 percent of the vote, while opposition parties, which surpassed the five-percent threshold, accounted for a total of about 37 percent.
Claims of Election Manipulation
President Zurabishvili, along with key opposition figures, argued that the election results were invalid, alleging that widespread manipulation compromised citizens’ voting rights. She drew parallels between the Georgian Dream party’s actions and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tactics, dubbing the election a “Russian election.” Zurabishvili emphasized the preference for European integration and denounced the influence of Russian propaganda in favor of the ruling party.
In solidarity, several pro-European opposition coalitions have declared their non-recognition of the election results and plan to contest them with protests.
Demonstrations Planned
Responding to the election results, Zurabishvili has called for protests against the government to commence on Monday. A significant pro-European rally had taken place just days before the election, demonstrating the public’s engagement. Following the closure of polling stations, a calm demeanor persisted in the capital, with a few citizens gathering to display flags representing the EU and Ukraine.
The elections have starkly divided the nation, aligning pro-European advocates against pro-Russian factions.
Opposition Leaders Decline Parliamentary Seats
Notably, several opposition leaders, including Elen Koshtaria from the Droa party, have announced they will not take their seats in parliament. Lasha Bakradze, an independent member affiliated with the opposition Unity alliance, stated, “We cannot reject the election result and simultaneously accept the status of MPs.” Bakradze aims to isolate the ruling party, pushing for a new election while emphasizing the need for the results to remain unrecognized on an international scale.
Potential for International Mediation
There are hopes for renewed international mediation, with entities like the EU potentially stepping in, similar to their involvement after the 2020 parliamentary elections. EU Council President Charles Michel negotiated a compromise at that time, which included reforms of electoral legislation by the ruling party. However, the failure of opposition members to take action in parliament ultimately thwarted these efforts.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
During a press conference, the international election observer mission led by the OSCE noted issues throughout the electoral process without categorically labeling it electoral fraud. Among the concerns raised were voter intimidation, coercion of officials, violence against monitors and journalists, vote buying, and instances of multiple voting. Despite these discrepancies, the observers commended the high voter turnout and robust civil society presence during the elections.
International Reactions
European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has urged the Central Election Commission to review the irregularities reported. Additionally, foreign ministers and officials from EU member states have voiced their apprehensions and criticized the ruling party’s actions. In a surprising move, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary publicly congratulated his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Kobakhidze, on the election result even before official tallies were recorded.
Orban plans to visit Tbilisi with his ministers on the same day the opposition protests are set to begin. This visit is anticipated to occur just before a public appearance alongside Kobakhidze, with the timing raising concerns about potential government crackdowns on opposition and civil society as the ruling party consolidates its power further.