The United States and the European Union have called for a comprehensive investigation into reported election violations in Georgia, where the president urged protests following a contested parliamentary vote on Monday.
With nearly all precincts reporting, the results marked a setback for pro-Western Georgians, who had framed the election as a choice between the ruling party, known for strengthening ties with Russia, and an opposition committed to accelerating European integration.
President Salome Zourabichvili urged citizens to protest Saturday's parliamentary election results, which the electoral commission claimed were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party with nearly 54% of the vote. Opposition groups disputed the outcome, citing significant irregularities reported by monitors.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States supports calls from observers for a full investigation, saying, “Going forward, we encourage Georgia's political leaders to respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and address deficiencies in the electoral process together.”
The European Union had earlier urged Georgia to conduct a prompt and transparent inquiry into the reported voting irregularities, asserting in a joint statement with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, “The EU recalls that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and runs counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded, must be repealed.”
Zourabichvili, once aligned with Georgian Dream and elected president in 2018 as an independent, urged Georgians to assemble in central Tbilisi on Monday evening to demonstrate to the world their refusal to accept the election results.
The election results present a potential setback for the EU’s goal of expanding to include more former Soviet countries.
The protest on Melikishvili Avenue has been temporarily paused following a decision by opposition leaders. The announcement was made to rally participants by key figures from opposition parties.
Police in Georgia detained 16 people in the capital Tbilisi on Tuesday after clashing with protesters opposing the results of last month's parliamentary election, which the opposition and the pro-Western president say were rigged.
The EU will send a mission to Georgia to investigate alleged electoral fraud in the October elections, as announced by Josep Borrell after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
Georgian Dream secured 54% of the vote, but President claims the election was stolen. Opposition parties allege violations, while the EU and US call for an investigation. The Kremlin denies any interference in the voting process.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili rallied thousands in Tbilisi with a strong pro-EU message ahead of the crucial October 26 election. The vote will decide whether Georgia strengthens ties with Russia or continues its pro-Western course.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, the court said on Thursday.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel describes her dealings with world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during her 16 years in power in her new memoir, which comes as her legacy is under fire in light of today's crises.
Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, active again after 800 years, has seen repeated volcanic eruptions since 2021. From lava fountains to massive fissures, eruptions have reshaped the landscape, attracting tourists while prompting evacuations and safety warnings.
An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the Dashtestan district of Bushehr Province in southern Iran at 8:30 a.m. local time today, according to the National Seismology Center of the Institute of Geophysics at Tehran University.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
The United Nations COP29 climate change conference in Baku seeks $1 trillion annually to help vulnerable nations tackle climate change, as political tensions and Argentina’s withdrawal overshadow talks.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, the court said on Thursday.
An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the Dashtestan district of Bushehr Province in southern Iran at 8:30 a.m. local time today, according to the National Seismology Center of the Institute of Geophysics at Tehran University.
Kazakhstan is advancing efforts to cut imports of finished goods by bolstering domestic production. The initiative was a focal point during a Senate plenary session attended by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and government officials.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan continue to expand their agricultural cooperation, Kazakh Vice Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly revealed in a statement to Trend.
Kazakhstan and Hungary are set to deepen their collaboration on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a key trade corridor connecting Asia and Europe, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, the court said on Thursday.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel describes her dealings with world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during her 16 years in power in her new memoir, which comes as her legacy is under fire in light of today's crises.
Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, active again after 800 years, has seen repeated volcanic eruptions since 2021. From lava fountains to massive fissures, eruptions have reshaped the landscape, attracting tourists while prompting evacuations and safety warnings.
An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the Dashtestan district of Bushehr Province in southern Iran at 8:30 a.m. local time today, according to the National Seismology Center of the Institute of Geophysics at Tehran University.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment