In a strong rebuke of the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell have called for a thorough investigation into reports of electoral irregularities and voter intimidation following the October 26 vote. Their remarks, made on October 27, come in response to the Moscow-friendly Georgian Dream party’s claimed victory of nearly 54%, which has been met with widespread skepticism and accusations of fraud from opposition parties and international observers.
The contentious elections have ignited political unrest, with President Salome Zourabichvili stating she would not recognize the results and calling for mass protests. “We call on the Central Election Commission of Georgia and other relevant authorities to fulfill their duty to swiftly, transparently, and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations thereof,” Borrell asserted, condemning violations of international norms.
Blinken echoed these sentiments, urging Georgia’s political leaders to uphold the rule of law and address deficiencies in the electoral process. He noted that while Election Day was generally well administered, reports of irregularities and sporadic violence marred the results. “International observers have not declared the result to be free and fair,” he emphasized.
Following the announcement of the election results, opposition groups have vehemently rejected the outcome, asserting that the election was stolen and highlighting violations such as ballot stuffing and pressure on voters. The Election Observation Mission, led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, described Election Day as characterized by a tense environment, significant breaches of vote secrecy, and intimidation, particularly among public sector voters.
The Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been criticized for steering the country closer to Moscow, undermining its aspirations for EU integration. The adoption of a controversial foreign agents law earlier this year has stalled Georgia’s EU accession process, prompting discontent in Tbilisi and deteriorating relations with Washington, which has responded by curbing partnership programs and imposing sanctions on Georgian officials.
As the international community calls for accountability, the future of democracy in Georgia hangs in the balance, with mounting pressure for a transparent and fair electoral process that respects the will of the people. The unfolding situation poses significant implications for Georgia’s political stability and its aspirations for closer ties with the West.
