Protests Erupt in Georgia Amid Claims of Election Fraud

On October 28, thousands gathered outside the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi, protesting alleged manipulation in recent parliamentary elections. The rally, led by opposition leaders and supported by President Salome Zourabichvili, highlights deep national discontent over the election results that declared the ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” as the winner.

President Zourabichvili expressed strong condemnation of the election process, calling it a “total falsification.” In a public address, she attributed the situation to foreign interference, stating, “We have fallen victim to a Russian special operation,” and called on citizens to protest what she described as illegitimate election outcomes.

In support of the protests, opposition parties announced a boycott of the newly elected parliament. Key leaders, including Nana Malashkhia of the “Coalition for Change” and Tina Bokuchava of the “Unity” bloc, declared their refusal to assume parliamentary seats, rejecting the election’s legitimacy. Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, currently imprisoned, also voiced his support from detention, urging widespread demonstrations to “fight for freedom and reject injustice.”

Georgian authorities have intensified security around the Parliament, initially blocking opposition attempts to set up protest stages. However, opposition leaders remain resolute, aiming to challenge what they see as systemic manipulation and foreign influence on Georgia’s democratic processes.