Georgia's Ruling Party Declared Election Winner with 53.93%; Opposition Boycotts as Protests Erupt

Nov 16, 2024, 07:24 AM

Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) has confirmed the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections, declaring the ruling Georgian Dream party as the winner with 53.93% of the vote, securing a parliamentary majority with 89 seats. The announcement came earlier than expected, as it was anticipated to be made on November 21, the date set by Georgian law. Opposition parties and NGOs have alleged widespread election fraud and have had their lawsuits dismissed by the Tbilisi court. Some opposition parties have announced a boycott of parliament. Protests have erupted in Tbilisi, with demonstrators gathering outside the CEC building and the First Republic Square to contest the legitimacy of the election results. Protesters displayed Georgian and EU flags, and physical confrontations occurred during the CEC session where the results were approved. Observers from local election missions plan to hold a protest rally in front of the parliament, reporting on violations they observed at polling stations. Additionally, Georgia's Prosecutor's Office has sealed the electronic voter verification devices used in the elections as part of an investigation into allegations of election fraud.