Pro-Western Opposition Protests Election Results in Georgia

Supporters of the pro-Western opposition in Georgia have launched protests in Tbilisi, contesting the results of last month's election, which was claimed to be riddled with fraud. The events unfolded over the weekend, with demonstrators gathering in the capital's center, expressing their discontent with the election results that favored the ruling Georgian Dream party, which secured around 54% of the votes.

In the wake of the protests, hundreds of police officers were mobilized to ensure the safety of the parliament building as it prepared for its first meeting since the election. The election results were officially confirmed by the Central Electoral Commission last week, and international observers from the OSCE reported no major voting issues; however, the opposition, along with President Salome Zourabichvili, has contested the credibility of the election, alleging vote manipulation and interference from Russia.

The protests intensified into a sit-in overnight as activists aimed to obstruct the ruling party's parliamentary session, pledging to continue their demonstration. Protestors displayed EU flags and banners criticizing the ruling party, while Tbilisi authorities deployed special measures, including water cannons and heavy police presence, to manage the situation.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a warning to the protestors, emphasizing that obstructing access to critical government buildings could lead to legal repercussions. The Georgian Constitution stipulates that the newly elected parliament must convene no later than ten days post-election certification; however, experts suggest that President Zourabichvili may resist calling the parliament into session, given her opposition to the election results and intentions to appeal to the Constitutional Court. Additionally, several opposition parties have refused to accept their parliamentary mandates, insisting on a new election.