Georgia's Opposition Calls for Protests Following Controversial Election Results

 

Georgia’s pro-western opposition has mobilized citizens to protest on Monday against the contentious parliamentary victory of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which is aligned with Russia. The GD retained its power in Saturday's elections, a result that has been met with allegations of voter intimidation and coercion, casting doubt on the country's long-held aspirations for European Union membership.

The initial report of 24 fatalities was revised down to 19, as authorities cited information gathered from first responders. The opposition has denounced the election results as a "constitutional coup," raising concerns of a potential political crisis that could further divide the nation.

During a press conference on Sunday, pro-EU President Salome Zourabichvili stated that she does not recognize the election outcomes and accused the country of falling victim to a “Russian special operation.” She urged Georgians to protest the results, asserting, “This was a total rigging, a total robbery of your votes.”

The Central Electoral Commission announced that the GD secured 54% of the votes, winning 89 seats in parliament, one less than in the previous election cycle. In contrast, four pro-western opposition parties collectively claimed 61 seats, effectively thwarting the opposition’s plans to form a coalition government aimed at reversing the country's conservative shift towards Russia.

Voters in the nation of nearly four million participated in what was described as a pivotal election, determining whether the GD, which has been in power since 2012, would continue its increasingly authoritarian governance. The party's founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, declared victory shortly after polls closed, emphasizing the significance of the election since Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Surveys have consistently shown strong public support for EU membership, with up to 80% of Georgians favoring closer ties to Europe. However, recent years have seen the government steering the country away from the West, often showing reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions, particularly following its invasion of Ukraine.

An international observer mission reported signs of “democratic backsliding” during the election, highlighting instances of voter intimidation, especially against public sector employees. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) noted reports of pressure on voters but did not claim the elections were outright stolen.

The election results indicated that GD won by suspiciously large margins in rural areas, while it underperformed in urban centers. Western officials have expressed concern over the allegations of electoral fraud but have refrained from outright calls to invalidate the results. European Council President Charles Michel has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities.

In the aftermath of the election, the political landscape remains deeply divided. While opposition figures called for public demonstrations, recent protests have been met with police crackdowns, leading to a decrease in public mobilization.

As GD continues to receive support from conservative regions, particularly those with slower economic progress, the party’s alignment with the influential Orthodox Church has allowed it to rally anti-liberal sentiments through campaigns emphasizing “family values.”

In contrast, the pro-western opposition, mainly supported by younger, urban voters, continues to advocate for closer ties with the EU and democratic reforms. The sentiments expressed by Georgians reveal a nation grappling with its identity and future direction, amid rising tensions and political uncertainty.