TBILISI, Georgia – Supporters of the opposition in Georgia are mobilizing for a demonstration in the capital city on Monday, reacting to the official outcomes of the recent parliamentary elections during which the ruling party was announced the winner despite widespread allegations of voting irregularities and interference from Russia.
President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia expressed her refusal to acknowledge the official election results, stating that the country has been subjected to a “Russian special operation” intended to enhance Moscow’s influence and thwart Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.
Zourabichvili, known for her strong opposition to the ruling party, called for citizens to gather in protest on the main Boulevard of Tbilisi, condemning what she identified as a “complete falsification” and an outright theft of votes. This situation raises concerns about escalating political turbulence in this South Caucasus nation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the matter via the social media platform X, asserting that “the Georgian people embraced democracy yesterday.” He urged the political leaders of Georgia to uphold the rule of law, withdraw legislation infringing on fundamental freedoms, amend the electoral process deficiencies, and guide Georgia towards its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
According to the Central Election Commission, the leading party, Georgian Dream, garnered 54.8% of the votes from the elections held on Saturday, with almost all ballots tabulated. Founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire with close ties to Russia, Georgian Dream has increasingly adopted authoritarian measures over the past year, enacting laws that mirror those implemented by the Kremlin to regulate freedom of speech.
The European Union has indefinitely halted Georgia’s membership application process due to a “foreign influence law” reminiscent of Russian practices, which was enacted in June. Many citizens perceived the recent election as a significant crossroads in their path towards EU membership.
The electoral campaign, in a nation home to 3.7 million people and bordering Russia, was rife with fierce competition and charges of smear tactics. European electoral observers highlighted that the elections transpired in a “hostile” environment characterized by intimidation and reports of vote buying, along with physical altercations.
Antonio López-Istúriz White, leading the European Parliament monitoring delegation, noted that Georgian Dream engaged in “anti-Western and hostile rhetoric, disseminated Russian disinformation, and indulged in conspiracy theories” during their campaign.
Observers emphasized that intimidation and electoral misconduct were particularly pronounced in rural areas. Georgian Dream achieved nearly 90% of the votes in the southern region of Javakheti, while in the capital, the party’s share did not exceed 44% in any district.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze remarked that the success of his party was “impressive and evident,” dismissing suggestions of election rigging as futile.
Initial estimates indicated that voter turnout was the highest since Georgian Dream first came into power in 2012. While the party asserts its ongoing commitment to EU accession, it simultaneously seeks to “reset” its relationship with Russia, the nation it fought a brief war against in 2008, resulting in Russia recognizing the independence of two breakaway regions and increasing its military presence there.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, called for Georgian authorities to “quickly, transparently, and independently investigate” the reported electoral discrepancies, encouraging the ruling party to affirm its dedication to the EU.
Victor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, was the first foreign leader to congratulate Georgian Dream and is expected to visit Georgia for talks with the Prime Minister during his trip to Tbilisi on Monday and Tuesday.