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Georgia’s ruling party claims victory, opposition disputes results

27.10.2024 13:30
Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, secured a victory in the parliamentary elections, winning over 54% of the vote, according to an announcement on Sunday by the country's electoral commission.
Founder of the Georgian Dream party and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili (C) celebrates after exit poll results announcement in parliamentary elections at the Georgian Dream party headquarters in Tbilisi,Georgia, 26 October 2024.
Founder of the Georgian Dream party and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili (C) celebrates after exit poll results announcement in parliamentary elections at the Georgian Dream party headquarters in Tbilisi,Georgia, 26 October 2024.Photo: EPA/DAVID MDZINARISHVILI

Meanwhile, pro-European opposition parties garnered 37.5% of votes, sparking tensions as opposition leaders have announced their refusal to accept the results.

Opposition figures accused pro-Russian Georgian Dream of widespread voter intimidation and electoral fraud both during the campaign and on election day.

These accusations have set the stage for anticipated protests in the capital, with opposition supporters questioning the legitimacy of the outcome.

With 99% of ballots counted, Georgian Dream is projected to secure between 90 and 100 seats in parliament, short of the 113 seats needed for a constitutional majority.

International observers, including Pascal Allizard of the OSCE/ODIHR, cited reports of voter pressure, particularly on public sector employees, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

Julian Bulai, head of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) delegation, said that instances of vote-buying had been noted, while the country's political climate had fostered voter surveillance and intimidation.

In a statement on Sunday, Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the opposition Strong Georgia bloc, criticized Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, alleging he orchestrated a "special operation" to steer the country towards Russian influence.

(ał)

Source: PAP