Thousands of demonstrators in Georgia have taken to the streets in outrage after the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) confirmed the ruling Georgian Dream party’s contentious victory in the October 26 parliamentary elections. The announcement has escalated political tensions in the nation, with opposition leaders denouncing the results as fraudulent and protesters demanding justice outside the commission’s headquarters.
Opposition Rejects Results Amid Accusations of Election Tampering
The CEC declared on Saturday that the Georgian Dream party secured 53.93% of the vote, maintaining its parliamentary majority with 89 out of 150 seats. Pro-Western opposition groups, united under an alliance, claimed only 37.79%. Alleging widespread irregularities and tampered results, opposition members have refused to take their seats in parliament.
In a dramatic turn during the commission’s meeting, opposition representative Davit Kirtadze splashed black paint on CEC chief Giorgi Kalandarishvili, accusing him of steering Georgia closer to Russia rather than Europe. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has since launched a criminal investigation against Kirtadze and arrested three protesters outside the commission’s office.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the elections as free and fair, announcing that parliament would convene within 10 days. However, his assertion has done little to pacify the opposition or quell public unrest.
Protesters Mobilize Across the Country
Mass protests have erupted across Georgia, with tens of thousands joining rallies against the ruling party. Student-led demonstrations at universities, including Tbilisi State University, continued late into the night on Friday, amplifying calls for transparent governance and accountability.
The protests have also spilled into Georgia’s breakaway territory of Abkhazia, where another wave of discontent unfolded over legislation permitting Russians to purchase property. In a significant act of defiance, protesters stormed the Abkhazian parliament building, refusing to vacate.
The unrest reflects a growing frustration among Georgians with domestic governance and concerns over potential Russian influence.
International Concerns Cloud Georgia’s EU Aspirations
Georgia’s elections have drawn criticism from international observers, including the European Union and the United States, who have called for investigations into alleged irregularities. The EU has linked the integrity of the elections to Georgia’s bid for EU membership, a goal that has faced numerous setbacks amid political turbulence.
- Recent controversies, such as legislation targeting LGBTQ rights and a “foreign influence” law seen as pro-Russia, have raised eyebrows in Brussels.
- Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s threats to ban major opposition parties further compound concerns over democratic backsliding.
Meanwhile, President Salome Zourabishvili has called the elections illegitimate, accusing Russia of meddling. Moscow has denied the allegations, though its shadow looms large over Georgia’s geopolitical path.
A Divided Government Adds Fuel to the Fire
The clashes between Prime Minister Kobakhidze and President Zourabishvili underscore a fractured political landscape. Zourabishvili’s vocal criticism of the ruling party has resonated with opposition groups but sparked pushback from the government.
Brussels had warned ahead of the elections that the results would influence Georgia’s EU prospects. For now, the internal chaos suggests the journey toward EU membership may face prolonged delays.
What Lies Ahead for Georgia?
As protests show no sign of abating, the coming days are crucial for Georgia’s political future. The opposition remains steadfast in its demands for a new election, while the ruling party insists on moving forward with its mandate.
For a nation caught between European aspirations and Russian influence, the stakes have never been higher. Whether Georgia can navigate these turbulent times without descending into deeper crisis remains uncertain.
