The protests in Georgia against the results of the parliamentary election on October 26 continued as thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Tbilisi. They accused the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of rigging the vote and demanded a new election under international supervision. Opposition leaders, including Giorgi Vashadze, vowed to fight until their demands are met and called for a new government that will lead Georgia towards European integration. The Central Election Commission had declared Georgian Dream the winner with about 54% of the vote, but European election observers noted instances of bribery, double voting, and violence during the election.
The opposition claims that Georgian Dream, established by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has become increasingly authoritarian and aligned with Moscow. They accuse the party of adopting laws that restrict freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights, similar to those used by the Kremlin. President Salome Zourabichvili has rejected the official results and stated that Georgia is facing pressure from Moscow against joining the EU. Despite holding a mostly ceremonial position, Zourabichvili has called on the United States and EU to support the protests. Both Washington and Brussels have called for a full investigation into the election, while the Kremlin has denied any interference.
The parliamentary election in Georgia was seen as a crucial moment for the country’s aspirations to join the EU. The EU suspended Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely after the passage of a Russian-style “foreign influence law” in June. Lawmakers from several EU nations attended the protests in Tbilisi to show solidarity with the demonstrators. Lithuanian parliament member, Zygimantas Pavilionis, urged Georgians to continue fighting for their freedom, democracy, country, and membership in the EU and NATO. The ongoing protests highlight the deep divisions in Georgian society and the challenges the country faces in its pursuit of European integration.
The protests in Georgia have brought attention to allegations of election fraud, pressure from Moscow, and concerns about the country’s democratic institutions. Despite the ruling party’s victory in the parliamentary election, opposition supporters continue to demand a new vote and international oversight. The situation in Georgia has also raised questions about the role of billionaires in politics and the influence of foreign powers. As the protests persist, both domestic and international actors are closely monitoring the developments and calling for a resolution that respects the will of the Georgian people.
The opposition’s refusal to recognize the election results and their decision to boycott parliamentary sessions demonstrate their commitment to challenging the legitimacy of Georgian Dream’s victory. The accusations of vote rigging and authoritarian tendencies within the ruling party have galvanized support for the protests and raised concerns about the state of democracy in Georgia. The role of the United States, EU, and Russia in the political dynamics of the region adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Moving forward, the resolution of the electoral dispute and the response of the Georgian government to the protests will be crucial in determining the country’s future trajectory and its relationship with international partners.
