Georgian Parliament Inaugurated Amid Election Controversy And Protests

A woman with a EU and a Georgian national flags stands in front of police blocking a street during a rally to demand new parliamentary elections in the country, near the Parliament's building in Tbili

The newly elected Georgian parliament commenced its inaugural session on Monday amidst a backdrop of political turmoil. The opposition lawmakers and the president chose to boycott the session, alleging that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, had manipulated the election results under Russian influence. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament, with a heavy presence of riot police, accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud.

The October 26 election, which saw Georgian Dream retain power, was widely viewed as a crucial moment in the country's aspirations to join the European Union. However, opposition parties refused to engage in parliamentary activities, leaving only Georgian Dream members present in the 150-seat parliament.

The leader of the Coalition for Changes, Nika Melia, declared the opposition's determination to challenge the legitimacy of the government, labeling it as authoritarian. President Salome Zourabichvili, who contested the election results and refused to acknowledge the parliament's authority, did not attend the opening session.

Opposition boycotts parliament session, alleging electoral fraud.

Georgian Dream party accused of election manipulation under Russian influence.

President Zourabichvili contests election results and refuses to acknowledge parliament's authority.

Georgian Dream retains power amidst protests over electoral integrity and ties to Moscow.

European observers note irregularities in voting process, including bribery and violence.

Georgian Dream accused of authoritarian tendencies and passing laws restricting freedoms.

EU suspends Georgia's membership application due to controversial laws targeting foreign-funded organizations.

Parliament set to elect new president through electoral college despite opposition boycott.

President's role altered by constitutional amendments shifting from direct popular vote to electoral college selection.

Opposition vows to challenge government's legitimacy and rejects current authority.

Zourabichvili has taken legal action, arguing that the election violated constitutional principles, including the secrecy and universality of the vote. The president's role in Georgia has been altered by recent constitutional amendments, shifting from direct popular vote to selection by a 300-seat electoral college comprising various political bodies.

Georgian Dream retained Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and maintained control over key parliamentary positions. The ruling party's dominance has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators voicing concerns over electoral integrity and the country's European future.

The Central Election Commission reported Georgian Dream securing approximately 54% of the vote, a result disputed by opposition groups. European election observers highlighted instances of irregularities during the voting process, including bribery and violence.

Critics have accused Georgian Dream of authoritarian tendencies and close ties to Moscow, particularly following the enactment of laws restricting freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights. The European Union suspended Georgia's membership application after the passage of a controversial law targeting organizations with foreign funding.

Despite the turmoil, the parliament is set to proceed with the election of a new president through the electoral college. Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott parliamentary sessions, emphasizing their rejection of the current government's authority.