Thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, raising their voices in protest against alleged fraud in the Oct. 26 parliamentary election. Amid claims of Russian interference, protesters are demanding a fresh election and an investigation into the alleged manipulation.
Protests Erupt Over Election Fraud Allegations
Outside the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi, a sea of Georgian and EU flags waved as protestors gathered in the thousands, calling for justice and transparency. The opposition, led by Giorgi Vashadze of the Unity National Movement Coalition, is firm in its stance against the declared election results, insisting that the election was rigged to secure victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Vashadze was resolute in his speech, promising ongoing protests until a new election is granted. “Elections were massively rigged, that is why we don’t recognize election results,” he told the crowd. His message resonated with many Georgians who view these elections as a critical step toward either embracing or abandoning the country’s aspirations for European integration.
Opposition Demands and International Attention
The opposition has boycotted parliament sessions and called for new elections under international oversight. Their demands have gained some attention from the international community, with representatives from Poland, France, and Finland showing up to support the rally in Tbilisi. European election observers, meanwhile, have reported an “atmosphere of division” surrounding the elections, mentioning incidents of bribery, double voting, and occasional violence.
The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, has long been accused by critics of aligning too closely with Moscow’s policies. In recent years, Georgian Dream has faced backlash for enacting laws that critics claim stifle free speech and restrict LGBTQ+ rights, similar to those in Russia. This, combined with their latest election victory, has fueled suspicions of pro-Russian influence and heightened the urgency for EU-aligned citizens to rally for a reformed political direction.
President Zourabichvili’s Stand Against the Results
President Salome Zourabichvili has openly voiced her skepticism about the election results, framing Georgia as a target of Russian influence aiming to pull the country away from its European ambitions. Though Zourabichvili’s role is largely ceremonial, her vocal support for the protests has drawn attention both domestically and internationally. She has appealed to the United States and European Union to stand by Georgia’s democratic aspirations and support a transparent investigation into the election process.
The Kremlin, however, has brushed aside the accusations of interference, labeling them as unfounded and baseless. But officials in Washington and Brussels have encouraged Georgia to conduct a thorough investigation into the claims of election fraud.
Georgian Dream’s Claims and the EU’s Response
According to the Central Election Commission, Georgian Dream secured approximately 54% of the votes. Yet opposition leaders insist that the vote was tampered with and are now pushing for international monitoring in the event of a new election.
Georgians have expressed frustration at what they see as a setback in their country’s journey toward EU membership. In June, the EU indefinitely suspended Georgia’s application process after the government passed a controversial “foreign influence law,” reminiscent of similar regulations enforced by Russia to monitor foreign funding and influence within the country. This legislation was seen by many as a deviation from EU standards and values, increasing the determination among protestors to resist what they believe to be an authoritarian shift in the government.
International Figures Urge Georgians to Keep Fighting
At the protest, several EU parliamentarians showed solidarity with Georgian citizens, urging them to persevere in their struggle for democratic integrity. Lithuanian parliament member Zygimantas Pavilionis was particularly vocal, addressing the crowd with a message of encouragement to defend their democratic rights and sovereignty.
“Somebody is trying to take your freedom, somebody is trying to take your democracy, your country, your membership in EU and NATO,” Pavilionis said. “Don’t give up. Fight for your freedom, fight for your democracy, fight for your country, fight for your membership in EU and NATO.” His words were met with cheers and renewed calls for the international community to intervene.
The atmosphere in Georgia remains tense as the opposition ramps up its protests and its refusal to recognize the election results. For many, these rallies symbolize more than just dissatisfaction with a single election outcome; they represent a broader fight for Georgia’s place in Europe and a rejection of any external influences that might push it in the opposite direction.
