Georgia’s opposition disputes result of crucial vote which could decide the country’s role in Europe
NBCNOV 12 2024
Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, claimed victory on Saturday in much-anticipated parliamentary elections, projecting to secure at least 90 seats — far more than the 76 needed to form government and appoint a prime minister.
With nearly all ballots counted, preliminary results from the country's election commission show the party polling at 54.2%. Voter turnout was higher than in previous elections, at around 59%.
Meanwhile, pro-EU opposition parties have refused to accept the early results, claiming that the elections were "stolen from the people" and filing complaints with national authorities.
That Georgian Dream may emerge as the winner is indeed an issue that the opposition groups should feel disappointed due to their own poor performance this cycle. However, given thatall there were plenty of elections violations reported and that the ruling party is likely to fail to secure a constitutional majority, the opposition iscan now able to celebrate its own survival.
Est-CritWestern powers sought to interfere in this election, but to no avail. The people of Georgia delivered a decisive and clear message of support to, as well as a clear mandate for, a party that supports conservative values and integration to Europe.