Georgia's Electoral Uproar: A Fight for Democracy and European Integration

Thousands gather in Tbilisi to protest alleged electoral fraud, demanding new elections under international oversight. Opposition and international figures criticize the ruling party's claimed victory, suspecting Russian interference, and vow continued resistance for Georgia's EU ambitions. The contentious election raises concerns over authoritarian drift and democratic integrity.

In Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, thousands of opposition supporters rallied on Monday, protesting the ruling party's proclaimed victory in the recent parliamentary election. Allegations of election rigging, supposedly aided by Russia, have fueled the demonstrations, with participants waving Georgian and European Union flags as they congregated outside the Georgian parliament.

The opposition demands a fresh parliamentary election overseen internationally and a thorough probe into the suspected electoral fraud. Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Unity National Movement Coalition, promised relentless resistance, asserting the elections were extensively manipulated, which propels their non-recognition of results. The opposition aims for new elections and a government geared towards European integration.

The Central Election Commission announced the ruling Georgian Dream party's win with approximately 54% of the vote, a claim refuted by the opposition as fraudulent. European observers highlighted a 'divisive' electoral ambiance marked by bribery and violence, while calls from Washington and Brussels urge a detailed investigation amid Kremlin denials of interference.

(With inputs from agencies.)