The recent election in Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has sparked controversy, with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, claiming a narrow victory that seems to favor Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, opposition groups are disputing the results.
Georgia’s Central Election Commission announced Georgian Dream won with 52.99% of the vote, but stated some paper and overseas ballots are still yet to be counted, according to The Associated Press. Opposition leaders have voiced strong objections, with Tina Bokuchava, head of the United National Movement, rejecting the results as false and asserting that the Georgian electorate favors a European future.
Nika Gvaramia, from the Coalition for Change party, called the election outcome a “constitutional coup,” while others have alleged vote manipulation, as reported by Reuters.
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An observer coalition has declared their intention to contest the results further, highlighting the stakes of this election regarding Georgia’s shifting allegiances with the West versus reverting to Russian influence.
Opposition parties are uniting to amend current laws hindering Georgia’s path to European Union membership, which conflicts with Kremlin interests. Georgian Dream has even labeled its opponents a “global war party,” alluding to their pro-Ukrainian stances. Notably, Georgia suffered a Russian invasion in 2008, with troops still in place in disputed regions.
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The election was seen as critical for Georgia’s foreign policy direction, with allegations of Russian meddling targeting both Georgian Dream and its rivals. Exit polls from various media sources contradicted each other, complicating claims of victory from both sides as vote counting extended late into the night.
Imedi TV, favorable to the ruling party, reported a 56% win for Georgian Dream, while rival networks suggested significant opposition progress, hinting at a possible coalition government.
Voter intimidation has surfaced as a concerning issue; some individuals reported undue pressure to support the ruling party, leading to claims of a “hybrid war” against the populace.
In the backdrop, Russia had been vocal regarding interference tactics, alleging U.S. plans for a “Color Revolution” in Georgia before the vote. This climate of accusation has also unfolded ahead of Moldova’s own EU membership vote, which recently passed with a slim majority, as noted by the BBC.
Moldova is bracing for a presidential runoff, with incumbent President Maia Sandu alleging bribery tactics aimed at swaying the election’s outcome.