Georgia’s pro-EU opposition calls for protest over ‘rigged’ election result

In a recent interview, Georgia’s pro-western president, Salome Zourabichvili, characterized her country as a victim of a “Russian special operation” following a contentious parliamentary election that took place over the weekend. Zourabichvili’s remarks came amid claims from the opposition that the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which is aligned with Russia, executed a “constitutional coup” to maintain power.

During a press conference organized by various opposition parties in Tbilisi on Sunday, Zourabichvili expressed her refusal to accept the electoral results, citing widespread allegations of voter intimidation and coercion that marred the elections. She passionately urged citizens to protest against what she described as “a total rigging, a total robbery of your votes,” calling for demonstrations to take place on Monday evening.

The electoral commission reported that the GD won 54% of the vote, securing 89 seats in parliament—one less than their previous term—while pro-western opposition parties collectively garnered 61 seats. This outcome dashed hopes for a unifying coalition of opposition parties and hindered the country’s longstanding aspirations for European Union membership.

Voters turned out in large numbers for what was deemed a watershed election that would determine whether the GD, which has been in power since 2012 and has navigated the country away from western alliances toward closer ties with Russia, would gain another four-year mandate. After the polls closed, billionaire GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili proclaimed victory, asserting that the success was a testament to the talent of the Georgian people in challenging circumstances.

For decades, Georgian public sentiment has leaned pro-western, with as many as 80% of citizens favoring EU membership. However, in recent times, the current government has shifted its stance, demonstrating reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. An international observer mission from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) reported signs of “democratic backsliding,” highlighting concerns over intimidation tactics aimed at voters.

Despite the accusations of election rigging, the OSCE did not categorize the elections as outright stolen or falsified, a claim the opposition reiterated. Videos reportedly showing ballot box manipulation and voter intimidation circulated on social media, and data revealed GD’s strikingly high margins of victory—up to 90% in some rural areas—though they fell short in larger urban centers.

While Western officials raised alarms over potential electoral fraud, they maintained cautious language and stopped short of calling for a boycott of the election results. EU Council President Charles Michel called for a rapid and transparent investigation into the reported irregularities.

Looking ahead, the opposition’s ability to mobilize widespread support remains in question. Recent protests against a controversial “foreign agents” law in Tbilisi drew tens of thousands, but those demonstrations gradually faded following police actions.

The election results suggest that the GD still enjoys support from a dedicated voter base, particularly in conservative regions where economic progress has lagged. While the party received congratulations from various foreign leaders, critics warn that Ivanishvili’s vision poses a threat to Georgia’s democratic trajectory.

Amid this political turmoil, views among Georgian citizens remain polarized. Young urban voters tend to favor pro-western opposition parties, while older and rural constituents often express support for the GD’s promises of stability amid tensions with Russia. The government’s alignment with the powerful Orthodox Church has also played a role in shaping its campaign strategy, which emphasizes family values and resistance to perceived western moral decay.

As the political landscape evolves, both Georgians and international observers will closely monitor the unfolding situation in the country. In Russia, state media celebrated the election results, framing them as a victory for Russian influence in the region.