Russia Denies Interference in Georgia's Parliamentary Elections
Russia Refutes Election Interference Claims
The Kremlin has vehemently denied accusations that it meddled in the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. Instead, it has pointed a finger at the West for the same allegations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that the accusations were baseless and there was no intervention from Russia's side. He further claimed that, in contrast, several forces from European countries and institutions were openly attempting to influence the election results.
Victory for Pro-Russia Georgian Dream Party
The Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is perceived as pro-Russia, emerged victorious in the elections. The party secured 54% of the votes, as per the election commission. The Georgian President, a proponent of stronger ties with the EU but lacking political power, labeled the election as a "Russian-style election". This suggests that Europe should not anticipate much cooperation from Georgia in the near future.
Opposition and Western Support for Protests
The opposition, led by the United National Movement (UNM), has refused to accept defeat. Officials in Washington and Brussels seem to be fueling resentment, which is now manifesting in street protests. They claim that the election was marred by "irregularities" that necessitate an immediate and independent investigation. Western media outlets have quickly echoed these allegations of Moscow's interference. The Guardian, for instance, ran a headline stating that "In Georgia, Russia has just scored another victory against liberal democracy."
Victory for Pro-Russian Billionaire Backer of Georgian Dream
The election results have been a significant triumph for Bidzina Ivanishvili, the pro-Russian billionaire backer of the Georgian Dream party. The Guardian has listed a series of his and the party's offenses. Even citizens who were already disillusioned with Ivanishvili were taken aback when the government openly sided with Moscow against Kyiv in 2022. This move was perceived as a betrayal, considering Ukraine's support for Georgia during its wars, including the most recent Russian invasion in 2008.
Repressive Russian-style Laws
In the following years, the Georgian Dream party passed repressive Russian-style laws, launched harsh crackdowns on activists, targeted the LGBTQ+ community, and initiated disinformation campaigns. By 2024, hundreds of thousands of people were participating in regular anti-government demonstrations led by the youth, demanding that Georgia stay on its European course.
Most Pivotal Vote in Georgia's History
The election was viewed as the only democratic way to free the country from Ivanishvili’s and Russia’s tightening grip. It was perhaps the most crucial vote in the country’s history since the independence referendum in 1991. Polls, including traditionally reliable exit polls, put the opposition in a clear lead. On the day of the vote, the turnout was so high that in some polling stations people queued for hours to cast their ballots.
Claims of Intimidation and Coercion
A pro-EU organization cited in the same report claimed that there was "intimidation, coercion and pressure on voters" ahead of and during the vote, as well as allegations of ballot stuffing. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. This lack of proof is likely to lead to more outrage and chaos in the streets as the Georgian Dream party is given another mandate.
Protests in Tbilisi
Tens of thousands of protesters have occupied Tbilisi's central squares overnight following the disputed election results. The Georgian president has called on citizens to protest to save the country’s “European future”.
Foreign Agents Bill
The West has been closely watching Georgia after its parliament passed a bill on foreign agents this summer. The legislation requires any foreign group receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to formally register as "agents of foreign influence". Washington and Europe expressed outrage over the bill, which ironically resembles similar laws in the US. However, in this case, US and EU-funded NGOs now face more challenges operating covertly inside Georgia.
Bottom Line
The recent parliamentary elections in Georgia have stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and unrest, with accusations of election interference flying from all sides. While the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party celebrates its victory, the opposition and the West cry foul, alleging election irregularities and Russian interference. Amidst this turmoil, the question remains: will the truth about these allegations ever come to light, and what will be the long-term implications for Georgia's political landscape? We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter and encourage you to discuss it with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered to your inbox every day at 6pm.
