In the heart of Tbilisi, thousands of opposition supporters gathered outside Georgia’s parliament for the second consecutive Monday, expressing their outrage and denouncing the election held on October 26 as illegitimate. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, was declared the victor amidst serious allegations of vote-rigging, with claims that Russia played a significant role in manipulating the electoral process.

The demonstrators, brandishing Georgian and European Union flags, called for a new parliamentary election to be conducted under international supervision. They also demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the ballot. Opposition leaders announced their intention to boycott parliamentary sessions and commit to regular protests until their demands are addressed.

“We will not accept illegitimate elections; we will not recognize an illegitimate parliament,” declared Badri Japaridze, the leader of the Lelo Strong Georgia Coalition. “We refuse to enter that parliament, and we will not allow Georgian Dream to present itself as the legitimate representatives of the Georgian people, as they have effectively stolen the elections. This is a special operation backed by Russia, where the future of the Georgian populace has been compromised, and we will not stand for it.”

Notably, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the rally in Tbilisi on November 4, 2024, demonstrating solidarity with those protesting the alleged election violations.

The Central Election Commission reported that Georgian Dream secured approximately 54% of the votes, but its leaders have firmly dismissed the opposition’s claims of electoral fraud. President Salome Zourabichvili, who has also rejected the official results, emphasized that Georgia has succumbed to pressure from Moscow, hindering its aspirations to join the European Union. Although her role is primarily ceremonial, she has called upon both the United States and the EU to support the ongoing demonstrations.

Officials in Washington and Brussels have urged a comprehensive investigation into the election. However, the Kremlin has categorically denied any accusations of interference.

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the United National Movement Coalition, stated that the opposition is appealing to Western nations not to recognize the election results and is actively gathering more evidence of electoral violations to advocate for a new election. He pledged to organize protests not only in the capital but across the entirety of Georgia.

A Rocky Path Ahead Toward EU Accession

Georgian Dream, which has maintained power since 2012, was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire with a controversial background who amassed his wealth in Russia. The opposition has accused the party of increasingly authoritarian behavior, aligning itself more closely with Moscow. Recently, it has introduced laws reminiscent of those used by the Kremlin to suppress freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.

European election observers noted that the election occurred in a “divisive” atmosphere, marked by reports of bribery, double voting, and even physical violence. Incidents of intimidation and other violations were particularly rampant in rural regions.

Due to the passage of a Russian-style “foreign influence law” in June, the EU has indefinitely suspended Georgia’s membership application process. Many citizens view the parliamentary election as a critical referendum on the nation’s commitment to joining the EU. “I am frustrated that we are not making any progress toward the European Union,” expressed Tbilisi resident Tornike Tsiramua, who hopes the protests will gain momentum. “This election was fraudulent; we possess ample evidence, and we must compel our government to ensure that future elections are conducted fairly and transparently.”

While Georgian Dream has promised to persist in its efforts toward EU accession, it also seeks to “reset” its relations with Russia, the former imperial power. In 2008, Georgia engaged in a brief war with Moscow, which subsequently recognized the independence of two breakaway regions and strengthened its military presence there.

Recently, Georgia’s prosecutors initiated an investigation into the alleged vote-rigging. However, the opposition quickly raised concerns that the Prosecutor’s Office, headed by an individual appointed by the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament, would not conduct an independent inquiry. The investigation was requested by the Central Election Commission, and Zourabichvili was summoned for questioning regarding the allegations. The Prosecutor’s Office stated that others “who may possess information related to the alleged criminal act” would also be questioned. Zourabichvili, however, has indicated that she would not comply with the summons, arguing that prosecutors should independently gather evidence instead of relying on her testimony.