Protesters storm Georgia presidential palace amid election boycott
Photo: Georgian security forces near the Presidential Palace (Echo of the Caucasus)
In Georgia, instead of participating in local elections, where turnout is critically low, people took to the streets in protest. Demonstrators attempted to storm the country's presidential palace, according to the Echo of the Caucasus, Georgia Online, Tbilisi Life, and News Georgia.
On the morning of October 4, municipal elections began in Georgia. Citizens were asked to elect 2,058 deputies across 64 municipal councils and 64 mayors. Twelve parties participated, including the ruling pro-Russian Georgian Dream. In 26 cities and municipalities, only their candidates were allowed to run.
Opposition parties are boycotting the vote and the elections entirely. Several pro-Western political forces are doing the same. Their main complaint is political repression by the authorities against opposition politicians and civil society.
By 5:00 PM local time on October 4, turnout was critically low. Only 33.5% of voters cast ballots, setting a new record low. Even during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, more than 39% of voters participated.
Protests in the country
Instead of voting in what the opposition has already called a "farce," people are taking to the streets in large numbers. A massive crowd waving flags of Georgia, the European Union, the US, and Ukraine held a demonstration in Tbilisi.
Under the slogans “Revolution” and carrying anti-government signs, protesters tried to storm Georgia’s presidential palace. Opposition parties joined the protests, calling the municipal elections a "farce" and a "Russian special operation."
Prime Minister of Georgia and leader of the pro-Russian Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, responded with threats. He warned protesters and organizers of repression, including potential prison terms.
Storming the presidential palace
Some demonstrators clashed with law enforcement. They broke through the presidential palace fence and entered its grounds.
Police responded with pepper spray and water cannons, while a special forces unit attempted to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were detained or injured.
Recently, the pro-Russian Kobakhidze claimed a coup was allegedly being prepared in Georgia. He also said he believes the Security Service of Ukraine is allegedly involved in planning the coup.
Earlier, the ruling pro-Russian party used images of Ukrainian cities destroyed by the war in campaign advertising. Georgian Dream aimed to secure victory through such propaganda. Ahead of the municipal elections, pro-Russian figures had already announced their so-called victory in all 64 municipalities.
