Georgia president calls for protests, refuses official election result

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has urged citizens to protest against what she claims were fraudulent elections favoring the ruling Georgian Dream party, which reportedly received 53% of the vote. In her speech, she stated, “I do not accept this election," denouncing it as a "Russian election.”

Violent incidents occurred at polling stations, with observers noting issues like vote-buying and harassment. Opposition parties have rejected the results, with some refusing to take parliamentary seats. Critics highlight the election's significance for Georgia's EU membership amid concerns over increasing authoritarianism and ties to Russia.

The election has drawn international criticism, with some calling the process “neither free nor fair.”