An opposition figure threw paint at the chairman of Georgia’s electoral commission in an act of protest after it approved the results of the country’s parliamentary election, which has been criticized for alleged Russian interference.
Georgia's Central Election Commission announced on Saturday that the ruling party Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, won nearly 54 percent of the vote and 89 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
While the electoral commission meeting was discussing the results, an opposition member of the board threw a black liquid, believed to be paint, at the commission chief. A brief brawl ensued afterwards.
Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili and the opposition do not recognize the results of the elections. According to them there were irregularities during the elections, including pressure on voters and violations of voting secrecy. They believe a re-vote must be held.
The international community is calling on the Georgian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into reports of violations.
Opposition protests were held during the meeting in front of the commission’s headquarters in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. According to local media, there were confrontations with the police and three people were detained.
While the electoral commission meeting was discussing the results, an opposition member of the board threw a black liquid, believed to be paint, at the commission chief. A brief brawl ensued afterwards.
Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili and the opposition do not recognize the results of the elections. According to them there were irregularities during the elections, including pressure on voters and violations of voting secrecy. They believe a re-vote must be held.
The international community is calling on the Georgian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into reports of violations.
Opposition protests were held during the meeting in front of the commission’s headquarters in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. According to local media, there were confrontations with the police and three people were detained.
Source:
More In Politics MORE...
