Georgian Election Results Certified Amid Protests

On November 16, during a contentious session to certify the results of Georgia's October 26 parliamentary elections, opposition member Davit Kirtadze splashed black paint on Central Election Commission (CEC) head Giorgi Kalandarishvili, protesting alleged election fraud. The ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been criticized for its pro-Russian stance, secured nearly 54% of the vote, while opposition factions have rejected the results, claiming widespread irregularities such as ballot stuffing and voter fraud. The incident has escalated tensions, leading to protests outside the CEC building, where dissenters continue to voice their grievances against the perceived manipulation of the electoral process. Despite the CEC's validation of the results, opposition parties, including the United National Movement, have announced a boycott of the new parliament. The situation is compounded by the broader context of Georgia's aspirations for European Union membership and concerns over increasing authoritarianism under the current government. Observers note that the election was conducted in a divisive atmosphere, with accusations of Russian influence and manipulation looming large.