Georgia’s prime minister has hailed the recent election result as a “landslide” victory, dismissing allegations of vote-rigging and violence. Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party stated, “Irregularities happen everywhere, in every country”. However, official preliminary results showing the ruling Georgian Dream party securing 54% of the vote have been met with skepticism.
Controversy Surrounding the Election
- Exit polls suggested four opposition parties had won, contradicting the official results.
- Election observers reported an “uneven playing field” and alleged vote violations.
- The US and European Union have called for an independent investigation.
International Reaction
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Georgia’s leaders to respect the rule of law and address electoral deficiencies.
- European Union leader Charles Michel emphasized the need to clarify and address alleged irregularities.
Opposition Response
- Four opposition groups refused to recognize the election result, accusing Georgian Dream of stealing the vote.
- Opposition leaders called for supporters to rally outside parliament.
Georgian Dream’s Response
- The party denied allegations of vote-rigging, citing the use of an electronic vote-counting system.
- Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of lying and attempting to damage the government’s reputation.
International Implications
- Georgian Dream’s victory has been welcomed by Russian commentators as a sign of Georgia pivoting back to Moscow.
- The European Union has frozen Georgia’s bid to join the EU, citing “democratic backsliding” concerns.
The situation remains contentious, with opposition groups boycotting parliament and international leaders calling for transparency and accountability.
