Georgia Launches Investigation into Alleged Election Falsification
Prosecutors in Georgia have initiated an investigation into the alleged “falsification” of the recent parliamentary elections, which has sparked significant political instability. This turmoil erupted after pro-Western opposition parties refused to accept the results of Saturday’s vote, claiming it was manipulated to favor the ruling Georgian Dream party.
U.S. President Joe Biden joined the chorus of international criticism on Tuesday, expressing his deep alarm over democratic “backsliding” in the Caucasus nation. He stated that the elections were marred by “voter intimidation and coercion.” In response, the Prosecution Service of Georgia announced its investigation into the alleged electoral fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili, who is believed to possess evidence regarding possible falsification, has been summoned for an interview with investigators.
Zurabishvili has called the election results “illegitimate” and accused the ruling party of interference linked to a “Russian special operation,” a claim dismissed by the Kremlin. Opposition parties have vowed to boycott the new parliament and demand “fresh” elections overseen by an “international election administration.” Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Tbilisi on Monday, as both the United States and the European Union condemned the electoral “irregularities.” Near-complete results indicate that the ruling Georgian Dream party secured 53.9% of the vote, while an opposition coalition garnered 37.7%.
