Turmoil at the Election Commission
During a tense meeting on Saturday, the head of Georgia’s Central Electoral Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was splashed with black paint in an act of protest. This dramatic incident occurred in Tbilisi as officials confirmed the results of the recent parliamentary elections. Outside the commission’s building, demonstrators rallied against what they deemed a fraudulent electoral process, reflecting widespread discontent with the official outcomes.
Protest from Opposition Representative
The protest intensified when David Kirtadze, an opposition member from the United National Movement party, threw the paint at Kalandarishvili after the ruling Georgian Dream party was announced as the election winner with 53.93% of the votes cast on October 26th. Opposition figures have strongly contested the results, claiming the election was manipulated, a charge the Georgian Dream party has vehemently denied.
Tensions Escalate Inside the Commission
Before throwing the paint, Kirtadze argued that the released results did not represent the genuine preferences of the electorate. In response, Kalandarishvili defended the integrity of the election by stating that the aggression displayed by the opposition only underscored the lack of evidence for vote tampering. Despite being seen later with a bandaged eye, he reiterated that there was no concrete proof of fraud.
Arrests and International Concerns
While Kalandarishvili faced backlash inside the commission, police took action against some protesters outside, leading to several arrests. European observers characterized the electoral atmosphere as “divisive,” citing incidents of bribery, double voting, and violence. Many Georgians viewed this election as a critical referendum on the nation’s aspirations to join the European Union, especially after the EU indefinitely suspended Georgia’s membership application following controversial legislation perceived as echoing Russia’s authoritarian practices.
Allegations of Russian Influence
President Salome Zourabichvili has openly rejected the official election results, claiming that Georgia has succumbed to Russian pressure in its EU accession efforts. Zourabichvili, although holding a largely ceremonial role, has called for international support for the protests. Meanwhile, U.S. and EU officials have demanded a thorough investigation into the election. In contrast, the Kremlin has dismissed claims of interference, indicating the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding Georgia’s political landscape.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Outlook India
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