Inside Georgia's elections: Pro-Russian party celebrates as protests erupt
Photo: Georgian security forces in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Life)
In Georgia, municipal elections were held in 64 cities and municipalities amid mass protests and clashes with security forces. The ruling pro-Russian party, Georgian Dream, claims it achieved a "stunning victory," according to Echo of the Caucasus and News Georgia.
The Central Election Commission of Georgia, controlled by Georgian Dream, has counted ballots from nearly all polling stations in the capital. According to their data, Kakha Kaladze, nominated by the ruling party, was re-elected mayor of Tbilisi with 71.56% of the vote.
The commission also says the ruling party is winning in other cities and municipalities, securing more than 80% of the vote nationwide. Georgian Dream quickly declared a "stunning victory."
Bidzina Ivanishvili, owner of Georgian Dream and a sanctioned pro-Russian oligarch, said on state-controlled media that the victory was truly impressive and congratulated society on achieving success and finally standing tall. He added that this was what Georgia's history and genetics deserved and that through it, they had already honored their ancestors.
Meanwhile, eight major opposition forces refused to participate in the elections, calling them a "farce" and an attempt to legitimize the pro-Russian party's seizure of power.
Mass protests and government repression
The elections were marked not only by very low voter turnout but also by large-scale protests that escalated into clashes with security forces. In Tbilisi, protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace.
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili condemned the attempt, calling it a possible provocation by Georgian Dream, but she also supported the mass protests on the streets of the capital.
During the clashes, security forces pushed protesters away from the presidential palace and Atoneli Street. At least 14 security personnel were reportedly injured, and more than 30 protesters were detained.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, head of Georgian Dream, threatened protesters and announced upcoming repression and mass arrests. He said that what had happened on Atoneli Street was a criminal act and that everyone involved in the violence would be held accountable. The Prime Minister added that authorities would have to detain far more than 30 unscrupulous criminals and warned that a harsh response should be expected.
Kobakhidze also demanded that the European Union condemn the "protest violence." Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, controlled by Georgian Dream, has opened a criminal case against protesters under multiple charges.
Protesters face accusations including assault on a police officer, calls for violent change of the constitutional order or overthrow of state power, damage or destruction of property, organization, leadership, or participation in group violence, and attempted seizure or blockade of a strategic or special facility, among others.
For more details on election day in Georgia, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
