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US and EU demand investigation into alleged election irregularities in Georgia

US and EU demand investigation into alleged election irregularities in Georgia

The United States and the European Union have called for a thorough investigation into reports of irregularities in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, which sparked mass protests and political confrontation in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili on Monday called on citizens to protest the disputed election results, citing concerns about democratic integrity.

Preliminary results showed the ruling Georgian Dream party, which Zurabishvili has often criticized for its pro-Russian stance, received almost 54% of the vote, a result the opposition said was marred by irregularities.

Observers including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken repeated calls for a full investigation. Blinken stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and called on Georgia’s leaders to address election flaws and repeal any legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms.

“Moving forward, we call on Georgia’s political leaders to respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and work together to address the flaws in the election process,” Blinken said in a statement.

Similarly, the European Union issued a joint statement with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, stressing that Georgia must protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, especially given the country’s historical orientation to the West.

“The EU reminds that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and is contrary to the values ​​and principles on which the EU is founded must be repealed,” the European Commission said in a joint statement with the EU foreign policy chief. Josep Borrell.

Zurabishvili, a former Georgian Dream ally and independent president since 2018, called on her countrymen to protest, saying the elections were not legitimate.

Georgia, historically one of the most pro-Western post-Soviet states, has faced pressure to either continue deepening ties with the EU or lean toward Russia, especially after Russia’s 2008 invasion and support for two breakaway Georgian regions. Meanwhile, election turmoil in Georgia coincided with Moldova’s narrow approval of EU membership, a move that Moldovan officials say was hampered by Russian interference. The developments highlight the challenges facing EU expansion efforts into former Soviet territories where Russian influence remains strong.

Melissa Enoch

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