Georgian Opposition Urges EU to Intervene Over Alleged Election Fraud
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
In a letter addressed to EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Foreign Ministers of EU member states, Georgia's pro-European opposition parties have raised serious concerns over the October 26 parliamentary elections, calling for decisive international action.
The opposition claims that the elections, which they argue were marred by widespread fraud and manipulation, have undermined Georgia's democratic future and European integration. According to the letter, had the elections been free and fair, opposition parties collectively would have secured 52% of the popular vote.
The letter outlines several alleged irregularities, including compromised ballot secrecy in over 120,000 cases, fraudulent voter identification practices, and potential identity theft affecting approximately 50,000 voters. The opposition also highlighted that 82% of election commission members reportedly have ties to the ruling Georgian Dream party.
"Georgia's President, Salome Zourabishvili, described the election as 'an attempt of a Russian takeover,' refusing to convene the first parliamentary session as required by the Constitution," the letter states. The opposition warns of a looming constitutional crisis as Georgian Dream prepares to bypass the President and convene Parliament.
The letter draws parallels between the alleged electoral fraud in Georgia and tactics observed in Belarus and Russia, accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic processes to consolidate power. It also highlights concerns over the potential election of Georgia's next President by Parliament, which could further strengthen the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire widely seen as the country's de facto leader.
The opposition has called on the EU to take immediate steps, including:
1. Initiating an international assessment of the elections to investigate alleged electoral fraud.
2. Urging the Georgian government not to convene the newly elected Parliament until the investigation is complete.
3. Halting Georgia's EU accession process due to non-compliance with democratic standards.
4. Suspending financial assistance to the Georgian government and redirecting support to civil society and independent media.
5. Supporting new elections in 2025 under an improved electoral framework.
The letter emphasizes that failure to address these issues would cement Georgia's status as an "electoral autocracy" and stall its aspirations for EU membership. The opposition parties argue that a clear stance from the EU is necessary to uphold democratic values and safeguard Georgia's future.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the opposition's recent letter to the European Union, dismissing their appeal as an effort to destabilize Georgia and hinder its European integration.
Kobakhidze reaffirmed the government's position that the October 26 elections were conducted fairly and accused opposition leaders of seeking external interference to advance their political interests.
