TBILISI, Georgia — In a display of civil unrest, protesters in the Georgian capital have set up tents across one of the major streets, pledging to maintain a continuous presence in their call for new parliamentary elections.

The recent election conducted in October enabled the ruling party, Georgian Dream, to retain its position; however, opposition groups are alleging that the electoral process was marred by fraud.

Since the election outcome, there have been numerous significant demonstrations, with the latest movement resulting in the closure of a key avenue leading to Tbilisi’s city center on Sunday.

Opponents have leveled accusations against Georgian Dream, a party founded by a wealthy figure with links to Russia, claiming it has adopted increasingly authoritarian practices and displayed a growing lean toward Moscow.

Recently, the party has enacted legislation that mirrors laws imposed by the Kremlin aimed at restricting freedoms of expression and LGBTQ+ rights.

For many Georgians, the October election symbolized a pivotal moment regarding the nation’s aspirations to secure European Union membership.

The EU suspended Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely back in June. This action was a response to the parliament’s approval of a controversial law mandating organizations that receive over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities “pursuing the interest of a foreign power.”

This law bears resemblance to a similar Russian statute designed to undermine organizations that pose criticism of the government.

As the protests continue, the tension between the government and its critics intensifies, raising concerns about the future of democratic processes and civil liberties within the nation.