Georgia Elections: Protests and Allegations of Fraud

Georgia is in political turmoil following allegations of election rigging in the recent parliamentary polls, claimed by President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition parties against the ruling Georgian Dream party. The ruling party, which secured 54% of the vote, faces accusations of voter intimidation and manipulation, purportedly with Russian involvement. Georgian authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged fraud, but the opposition doubts the probe’s independence due to the ruling party's influence over the Prosecutor’s Office. Large protests have erupted in Tbilisi, with demonstrators demanding a transparent investigation and new elections. International entities, including the US and EU, have called for a full inquiry, reflecting concerns about Georgia's democratic trajectory and its geopolitical positioning between Russia and the EU. The situation highlights the country's internal political divisions and the controversial 'foreign influence law' that has strained relations with the EU.