Georgian president calls for fresh election after disputed vote

The Georgian President, Salome Zurabishvili has on Monday called for a fresh parliamentary election to address the controversy surrounding last month’s disputed vote, which the opposition claims was rigged in favor of the ruling party.

The Georgian president during a press conference on Monday made some allegations about the recent parliamentary election, stating that it was “controlled and manipulated by one party.”

According to the report by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the European Union and the United States are urging for a thorough investigation into the irregularities surrounding Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary election, which saw the ruling Georgian Dream party emerge victorious.

The call to action comes amidst allegations of election violations and disputes over the legitimacy of the results.

According to reports, the pro-Western opposition in Georgia has taken a firm stance against the recent parliamentary election results.

The opposition refused to acknowledge their validity or participate in the newly formed parliament, which they consider “illegitimate” due to alleged irregularities.

Also, Zurabishvili has joined the opposition in condemning the recent parliamentary election, describing it as illegitimate and accusing Russia of interference.

The Georgian President called for new elections, emphasizing that the country needs a legitimate parliament and government to overcome the current crisis.

As reported by PUNCH, “Zurabishvili welcomed a group of senior European MPs who visited Georgia on Monday, saying “Our friends are here to join us in seeking out ways to help Georgia emerge from this crisis.”

Reports had it that Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili declined to meet with a delegate of senior lawmakers from eight European Union countries, including Germany, France, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, and Finland.

According to the reports, Papuashvili justified his decision by accusing some delegate members of publicly campaigning against Georgia’s ruling party and supporting the opposition, which he claims is prohibited by Georgia Constitution and electoral legislation.

Later in the evening, the European delegates  joined forces with thousands of Georgians at a pro-Europe rally outside the country’s parliament, led by opposition parties.

The Chair of the German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth, addressing thousands of demonstrators stated “we are here to encourage you.”

“Hang in there, friends! We know you’re exhausted, frustrated, and tired, but please don’t give up, we’re right here with you, standing strong and united.”

“Your perseverance and determination are inspiring, and we believe in you. Keep pushing forward, knowing that you’re not alone in this journey.”

According to reports, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, to protest alleged electoral irregularities and potential fraud in the country’s recent parliamentary elections.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the ruling party is contemplating a ban on opposition parties if they continue to engage in actions deemed unconstitutional.

EU Chief Charles Michel on Friday expressed concerns about the recent elections, stating, “there are serious suspicions of fraud, which require a serious investigation.”

Earlier before the election, Brussels made it clear that the recent election in Georgia would play a crucial role in determining the country’s chances of joining the European Union..

A group of Georgia’s leading election monitors has made a significant revelation, uncovering evidence of a complex scheme involving large-scale electoral fraud that allegedly favored the Georgian Dream party.

However, the ruling party in Georgia is standing firm on its stance that the recent elections were free and fair, and they’re reaffirming their commitment to joining the European Union, calling it their government’s “top priority”.

Reports stated that critics argue that Georgia’s increasingly conservative ruling party is steering the country off its European course and back toward Moscow’s influence.

Know about Georgia’s recent election

Georgia’s recent election has been a hot topic, especially with concerns about its democratic values and commitment to joining the European Union.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has been accused of undermining the country’s EU aspirations and aligning with Moscow’s interests.

Election Results and Controversies

The election results have been disputed, with some groups claiming large-scale electoral fraud favored the Georgian Dream party.

Also, it has sparked debates about the integrity of the electoral process and the country’s democratic values.

International Response

The European Union has been closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and the rule of law in its member states.

The EU’s High Representative, Josep Borrell, has stressed that Georgia’s progress on these fronts will be crucial in determining its eligibility for membership.

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