Republic of Georgia's Ruling Party Claims Election Victory
Republic of Georgia:'s 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.Georgian Pres. Salome Zourabichvili has called for protests outside parliament on Monday after the country's ruling party, Georgian Dream, secured 54% of the vote in Saturday's disputed parliamentary election.
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 country's electoral commission said that the Georgian Dream had won 89 seats in the 150-seat parliament — far more than the 76 needed to form a government and appoint a prime minister.
The Spin
OppositionThe opposition should feel disappointed that Georgian Dream may emerge as the winner. However, given all electionselection violations reported and that the party is likely not to secure a constitutional majority, the opposition must celebrate its own survival.
Western 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 tointo Europe.
