Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, demanding new elections as anger simmers over alleged Russian interference in the October 26 general election.
The Georgian Dream party, which favors closer ties to Russia, won another term in office in the vote, but the result has been dogged by allegations of fraud, and the country’s pro-EU president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to accept it.
The demonstration on Monday evening was the latest in a series of protests as the opposition aims to keep the pressure on the government.
Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of the Unity National Movement Coalition, vowed that the opposition would continue its protests until their demands were met.
“Elections were massively rigged; that is why we don’t recognize election results,” he said. "Our goal is new elections; our goal is to form a new government, which will drive Georgia to European integration.”
Several European politicians joined the rally to show solidarity. Lithuanian parliamentarian Žygimantas Pavilionis spoke at the protest, urging Georgians to defend their democratic freedoms.
“Somebody is trying to take your freedom; somebody is trying to take your democracy, your country, your membership in EU and NATO,” said Pavilionis.
The demonstration on Monday evening was the latest in a series of protests as the opposition aims to keep the pressure on the government.
Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of the Unity National Movement Coalition, vowed that the opposition would continue its protests until their demands were met.
“Elections were massively rigged; that is why we don’t recognize election results,” he said. "Our goal is new elections; our goal is to form a new government, which will drive Georgia to European integration.”
Several European politicians joined the rally to show solidarity. Lithuanian parliamentarian Žygimantas Pavilionis spoke at the protest, urging Georgians to defend their democratic freedoms.
“Somebody is trying to take your freedom; somebody is trying to take your democracy, your country, your membership in EU and NATO,” said Pavilionis.
Opposition leaders have pledged to boycott parliament sessions and stage protests until a new election is scheduled.
The Central Election Commission reported that the ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, received about 54% of the vote. Opposition leaders argue that the party is becoming increasingly authoritarian and aligned with Moscow’s interests.
European election observers noted the election took place in a “divisive” environment marked by instances of bribery, duplicate voting and violence, the news channel France 24 reported.
President Zourabichvili has urged the United States and EU to support the protesters.
The Central Election Commission reported that the ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, received about 54% of the vote. Opposition leaders argue that the party is becoming increasingly authoritarian and aligned with Moscow’s interests.
European election observers noted the election took place in a “divisive” environment marked by instances of bribery, duplicate voting and violence, the news channel France 24 reported.
President Zourabichvili has urged the United States and EU to support the protesters.
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