Georgia: Ruling Party Claims Election Victory, Opposition Disputes Results
Georgia: Ruling Party Claims Election Victory, Opposition Disputes Results
The Facts
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%.
The Spin
ThatOpposition should feel disappointed that Georgian Dream may emerge as the winner is indeed an issue that 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 tonot fail to secure a constitutional majority, the opposition ismust 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 message of support to and a clear mandate for a party that supports conservative values and, contrary to the smear campaigns, integration to Europe.
