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Georgians Hold Opposition Protests Following Parliamentary Elections

Ani Chkhikvadze

   WASHINGTON - The ruling party in the former Soviet republic of Georgia
   is claiming victory following Saturday's closely contested
   parliamentary election.

   But the opposition alleges the vote was rigged and staged a rally
   outside parliament on Sunday in protest.

   Preliminary results show the ruling Georgian Dream, or GD, led by
   billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, garnered about 48% of the vote,
   according to election officials.

   The opposition United National Movement, or UNM, of former President
   Mikheil Saakashvili, was second with 27%. Trailing with roughly 4% was
   European Georgia, a party that split from the UNM in 2017. Altogether,
   there are eight opposition parties, including pro-Russia Patriot's
   Alliance, which is perceived as an ally to the Georgian Dream.

   The ruling party declared victory soon after initial projections were
   announced. It said the elections were a step forward and that it will
   single-handedly form a government.

   "This is a big win," said Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream's executive
   secretary. "Free and fair elections are main achievement of Georgian
   Dream," he told reporters at a press conference.
   With the final votes still being counted, the opposition is discussing
   the possibility of boycotting parliament. They have argued that
   Ivanishvili has undermined Georgian democracy through shadow
   governance, control over the judiciary and pressuring the business
   sector.

   The opposition leaders have pledged unity, maintaining that they won't
   recognize Saturday's elections.

   "Ivanishvili destroyed democracy in our country last night," said UNM
   member Salome Samadashvili ahead of announcing an opposition rally. "We
   demand new and legitimate elections," she added.

   "The results that were established through fear tactics, violence,
   bribery, use of administrative resources, manipulations at voting
   stations, do not reflect the will of the people," said Giga Bokeria,
   leader of European Georgia.

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