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Georgia's Election Results Disputed Amid Allegations of Fraud; President Declares Opposition Victory

Oct 26, 2024, 04:58 PM

Georgia held a pivotal parliamentary election on October 26, 2024, viewed as decisive for the country's democratic future and its orientation between Russia and the West. The election saw the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, competing against a coalition of pro-European opposition parties, including the United National Movement and Coalition for Change. Conflicting exit polls were released after polls closed, with both sides claiming victory. President Salome Zourabichvili declared victory for the opposition, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated Georgian Dream. The Central Election Commission's preliminary results indicated that Georgian Dream led with approximately 53% of the vote after counting 70% of precincts. Opposition parties disputed these results, alleging electoral fraud and vote rigging, and refused to recognize the outcome. They announced plans for protests in the capital, Tbilisi. International observers and media outlets reported tensions and the possibility of unrest in the aftermath of the election.