Georgia Faces Turmoil After Contentious Elections

Georgia is facing political turmoil following contentious parliamentary elections where the ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the victor with 54.08% of the vote, a result disputed by pro-Western opposition parties, including the United National Movement and Coalition for Change, who allege electoral fraud and accuse the Georgian Dream of a 'constitutional coup.' The election has been described as a pivotal moment determining whether Georgia aligns with Western democracies or falls back into Russia's influence. International observers have criticized the election process, noting irregularities and incidents of violence, and the European Union previously suspended Georgia's membership process due to concerns over democratic backsliding. The political crisis has deepened divisions within the country, with protests called by opposition groups challenging the ruling party's increasingly authoritarian stance. Both sides have claimed victory, with the situation remaining volatile as the final results are awaited.