While Tbilisi courts fast-tracked the dismissal of lawsuits on election violations this week, with election certification approaching, opposition parties once again confirmed their commitment not to take their parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, the majority of Georgians remain steadfast in their conviction that Georgia’s future lies in Europe.
You can follow the news about the latest developments in English through several independent outlets in Georgia, such as OC Media, Jam News, or Civil.ge.
The opposition in Georgia continues its ‚policy of pinpricks‘ in the capital, Tbilisi. Yesterday, protesters marched from Freedom Square to Europe Square, crossing the Baratishvili Bridge and temporarily blocking traffic on both sides of the Mtkvari river.
Protesters are uniting to demand that the October 26 election be recognized as fraudulent and that new elections be held under the supervision of an international committee.“
Today, people in Tbilisi are once again taking to the streets to protest the allegedly rigged parliamentary elections of October 26. Approaching from different directions, they are reportedly marching toward Heroes Square, a major junction in the city.
Since I am no longer in the Tbilisi, I can only share a photo I made at Heroes Square one night in May, during a similar protest held in solidarity with a smaller group of demonstrators who were harassed by the police at the square.
Look at these people; look at this country.
„There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the Georgian Parliamentary Election of 2024 was systematically rigged and does not represent the will of the Georgian people.“ This is the opening statement of Dr. Hans Gutbrod’s analysis of the election process, published in a policy brief on November 4. It represents one more piece of evidence published on the platform civil.ge that raises concerns over the results of the Georgian parliamentary elections held on November 26.
The question now is, what happens next? In Georgia? And how will the international community respond to this evidence?
The Georgian opposition was rallying once again Monday night to protest the results of the parliamentary elections, announcing that ongoing demonstrations will continue from this point forward.
A young woman sits in front of the Georgian parliament, draped in the Georgian flag. Like many people here, she seems to be waiting to see how Georgia’s story will unfold.
Tbilisi, Georgia, 02.11.2024
Last night in Mziuri Park, located in Tbilisi’s Vake District, the newly founded Freedom Square Movement of the Strong Georgia coalition organized a public sit-in to discuss the post-election situation and potential next steps.
While the opposition in Georgia is still working on a plan on how to move forward, which they will announce next Monday evening during a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue, they continue to ask the international community not to let the country fall out of focus.
Look at this country; look at these people.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia summoned President Salome Zourabichvili for questioning regarding allegations that the elections were rigged. However, she refuses to appear, stating that the burden of proof should not be on her but on the prosecutors. She emphasized that „the public expects an immediate investigation, not demands for evidence from me.“
While international parties are watching, the president remains confident that everything will work out in the end. „But I am not afraid! You shouldn’t be either! Everything will proceed calmly, and the true results will emerge.“
Yesterday, about 100 students organized by the group Dafioni took to the streets to voice their conviction, that they will not be silenced over the rigging of the parliamentary elections. „We choose Europe“ — yes, and we would gladly welcome you.
