Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is witnessing unrest following the announcement of parliamentary election results, with demonstrators assembling outside the Central Election Commission (CEC) to contest the legitimacy of the October 26th vote.
The demonstration, which has garnered support from opposition parties and civil activists, saw rising tensions as protesters accused authorities of electoral fraud.
The protest, reported by Georgian media, commenced early on 16th November as the CEC held a meeting to finalise the election results. Demonstrators, including members of major opposition parties—Unity-National Movement, Strong Georgia, and Coalition for Change—gathered to express their dissatisfaction. Their central grievance stems from accusations that the government, through alleged electoral malpractice, deprived the citizens of a genuine democratic process.
Protest leaders emphasised their commitment to making the CEC session uncomfortable for its members, signalling strong public opposition to the election’s outcome.
“Those standing here are protecting the future of our country against a government that stole this election,” one opposition leader commented, highlighting the barriers erected by the authorities around public institutions. “A government that requires barricades for protection from its own citizens has no mandate from them,” he stated.
Inside the CEC meeting, which proceeded amidst the external protests, a confrontation unfolded between the commission’s head, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, and a representative from the Unity-National Movement party, David Kirtadze.
Tensions flared when Kirtadze was asked to cede the microphone after his allotted speaking time expired. Following a verbal exchange, Kirtadze threw black paint on Kalandarishvili, sparking further commotion and symbolising protestors’ defiance against the CEC.
The protest outside the CEC was met with a heightened police presence, with several dozen officers deployed around the premises. Security forces appear prepared to manage any escalation, although the protest thus far has been largely peaceful despite high emotions.
Background to the Protests
The latest demonstrations follow a series of protests that began on 11th November with a rally titled “We are Europe!”, where participants argued that the 26th October elections were manipulated. Protestors and their leaders maintain that the election results were fraudulent, which has prompted widespread dissent. This sentiment taps into broader frustrations among segments of the Georgian population who are sceptical of the current administration’s commitment to democratic principles and transparency.
The October election, according to protestors, represents a step back for democratic processes in Georgia, a country that has expressed aspirations to align more closely with European values and governance standards.
Image source: interpressnews.ge
Read also:
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili Declares Victory for Opposition Following Exit Poll Results
