US and EU Urge Investigation into Georgian Elections Following Reports of Voter Intimidation and Fraud

Josep Borrell, the EU's chief diplomat, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have called for an investigation into the recent Georgian parliamentary elections, citing reports of irregularities after the Moscow-aligned Georgian Dream party secured nearly 54% of the vote on October 26.

International observers deemed the elections neither free nor fair, prompting opposition parties supporting EU integration to contest the results.

Borrell condemned violations of international norms and urged the Central Election Commission of Georgia to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into the electoral misconduct. Blinken echoed this statement, urging Georgian leaders to uphold the rule of law and address electoral flaws, noting that while Election Day was generally well-administered, reports of irregularities and violence were concerning.

On October 27, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced she would not recognize the election outcome, labeling it a "total falsification" and a "Russian special operation."

"I do not recognize these elections," she stated at a press conference, emphasizing that recognizing the results would imply accepting Georgia's subordination to Russia. "No one can take away Georgia's European future."

Zourabichvili encouraged everyone to assemble at Rustaveli at 7 pm to affirm their commitment to defending constitutional rights. "We do not recognize these elections, we do not tolerate Russia and its invasion of Georgia in this form."

The OSCE Election Observation Mission highlighted a tense atmosphere on Election Day, with significant procedural inconsistencies and voter intimidation.