Georgia's Parliamentary Elections: Pro-Russian Party Wins Big, President Criticizes Fraud and Calls for Protests | WPN World People News

Georgia held parliamentary elections on Sunday, with President Salome Zurabishvili condemning the elections as fraudulent. She called on the public to protest the election results and questioned the official outcome, which favored the ruling party.

Zurabishvili stated that the elections were entirely fabricated, declaring, "I do not recognize these elections." She accused Russia of being the suspected mastermind behind the electoral fraud, emphasizing that Georgia has become a victim of Russia's special operations—part of a modern form of hybrid warfare against the Georgian people, as well as a means of repressing Georgia's resistance to Russian influence.

In 2008, Georgia's attempt to join NATO led to a Russian invasion, resulting in the separatist region of South Ossetia breaking away from Georgia and becoming a Russian-ruled autonomous republic. The Georgian Dream party was founded in 2012 with a focus on improving relations with Russia, and it has been in power for a long time, implementing Russian-style laws. Many Georgians are concerned that the government is distancing itself from the West.

The Central Election Commission of Georgia reported that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, received 54.08% of the votes, while the main opposition coalition garnered 37.58%. This outcome could lead to closer ties between Georgia and Russia. President Zurabishvili stated that this election is crucial for determining whether Georgia will "embrace Europe" or remain "under Russian influence." The results may also bring a new setback to Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.

Four opposition groups in Georgia have refused to accept the election results, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of ballot theft and fraud. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, stated that there must be a thorough clarification and resolution of the alleged violations, calling for a prompt, transparent, and independent investigation into the matter.