Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia

Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected president of Georgia by an electoral college controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, a move criticized by opposition leaders as a step back for the country's EU aspirations and a win for Russian influence. Salome Zourabichvili, the incumbent president, has declared the election illegitimate, stating she will not vacate her office until new elections are held. The election, which took place on December 14, was marred by allegations of rigging and a lack of genuine democratic process, as Kavelashvili was the sole candidate. Protests have erupted in response, with demonstrators rejecting the electoral results and calling for Zourabichvili to remain as the legitimate leader. International reactions include potential sanctions from Ukraine against the Georgian authorities for their pro-Russian stance. As tensions rise, the political landscape in Georgia remains uncertain, with further conflict anticipated.