Georgia’s opposition disputes result of crucial vote which could decide the country’s role in Europe
NBCOCT 20 2024
Protesters clashed with police in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, in the early hours of Friday after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government was delaying European Union (EU) accession talks until 2028.Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, declared victory in the October parliamentary election. However, the opposition accused the government of manipulating the results. The election has also drawn criticism from the EU, which passed a resolution condemning it as "neither free nor fair" on Thursday.
Police used water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse protesters as masked individuals attempted to force their way into parliament, throwing fireworks at officers. The interior ministry reported the detention of at least 43 protesters and the injuries of three police officers.Georgian Pres. Salome Zourabichvili has also accused the ruling party of manipulating the election results with the support of Russia. Zourabichvili said the suspension of EU talks was the "conclusion of the constitutional coup that has been unfolding for several weeks."
Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, declared victory in the recent parliamentary election. However, the opposition accused the government of manipulating the results. This election has also drawn criticism from the EU, who also passed a resolution condemning the election as "neither free nor fair" on Thursday.Protesters clashed with police in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, in the early hours of Friday after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government was delaying European Union (EU) accession talks until 2028.
The EU stands with the freedom-loving people of Georgia. The election on OctoberOct. 26 was characterized by irregularities, and Georgia's ruling party is responsible for the manipulation of the election results and for the overall deterioration of democracy in the country. With urgency, reRe-elections in Georgia must take place with urgency and sanctions on the country's Georgia's corrupt leadership must be imposed.
The elections on October 26 were free and fair. Georgia is a sovereign and independent nation that will not allow outside involvement in its internal affairs, even from the EU. The government remains dedicated to accomplishing the aim of joining the EU while strongly opposing any European meddling in Georgian domestic politics. Furthermore, the opposition must refrain from any attempts to destabilize the country.
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The elections were free and fair. Georgia is a sovereign and independent nation that will not allow outside involvement in its internal affairs, even from the EU. The government remains dedicated to accomplishing the aim of joining the EU while strongly opposing any European meddling in Georgian domestic politics. Furthermore, the opposition must refrain from any attempts to destabilize the country.