Home Politics Live Elections Georgia launches inquiry into contested election, but opposition questions validity of investigation

Georgia launches inquiry into contested election, but opposition questions validity of investigation

0
Georgia launches inquiry into contested election, but opposition questions validity of investigation

TBILISI, Georgia — The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an inquiry into allegations of vote manipulation during the parliamentary elections held last weekend. The ruling party emerged as the victor, securing around 54% of the votes, which the opposition has fiercely criticized as fraudulent.

The opposition expressed skepticism regarding the independence of the investigation, arguing that the head of the Prosecutor’s Office was appointed by the parliament, which is heavily influenced by the ruling Georgian Dream party. This party has been known for strengthening the country’s ties with Russia, prompting many citizens to view the election as a pivotal moment where they had to choose between supporting the current administration or favoring deeper integration with the European Union.

European observers characterized the election atmosphere as “divisive,” noting several instances of intimidation, vote-buying, and even physical confrontations. Local watchdogs echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the election outcomes do not genuinely reflect the will of the Georgian populace.

Both the United States and the European Union have urged for a complete and transparent examination into the reported electoral violations. Following the elections, thousands gathered outside the parliament building to listen to opposition leaders, including President Salome Zourabichvili, condemn the alleged rigged election process.

Georgia, a nation of 3.7 million located on the borders of Russia, achieved EU candidate status in 2022. However, the process has been stalled indefinitely after the Georgian parliament, controlled by the Georgian Dream party, passed a controversial “foreign influence law,” reminiscent of similar legislation enacted in Russia to suppress dissent.

The ruling party was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who amassed wealth in Russia and had a brief tenure as Georgia’s prime minister. Since resigning in 2013, he has largely avoided the public eye. The investigation was triggered by a request from the Central Election Commission, with Zourabichvili being summoned for questioning on Thursday about the misconduct allegations. Other individuals who may have pertinent information are also expected to be interrogated.

Salome Samadashvili, representing the opposition Strong Georgia coalition, raised concerns about whether the Prosecutor’s Office can operate free from Ivanishvili’s shadow. She stated, “If someone believes they can deceive the Georgian people or our international allies into thinking that Bidzina will investigate his own election fraud, they are mistaken. No one can be misled.”

She further emphasized that an investigation with credibility should be conducted by an international team with appropriate qualifications and mandate. Until that occurs, she asserted, the election will lack legitimacy and public trust. In her remarks, Zourabichvili likened the elections to those in Russia, noting that “technology was employed to obscure the counterfeiting, which is unprecedented in our nation.”