Georgia President Calls for Protests Over Election

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has declared the parliamentary election results from October 26 as illegitimate, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of orchestrating a 'total falsification' influenced by Russian interference. She has called for protests to contest the results, stating that recognizing the elections would legitimize Russia's encroachment on Georgia's sovereignty and its European aspirations. The opposition, including leaders from the Unity-National Movement and jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili, echoed her sentiments, asserting they would not participate in the parliament and calling for mass demonstrations to fight against what they deem electoral injustice. Observers reported significant violations during the elections, including allegations of voter intimidation. The European Union has urged an investigation into the reported irregularities, emphasizing the elections' implications for Georgian democracy. The situation raises concerns about Georgia's political stability and its pro-Western trajectory amidst ongoing tension with Russia.