Georgia's Election Fraud Investigation: U.S. Pressure and Calls for Democracy
Georgian prosecutors have summoned President Salome Zurabishvili to testify in a significant investigation into alleged fraud during the recent elections held on October 26. The ruling party, Georgia Dream, claimed victory with approximately 54 percent of the vote, despite widespread allegations of electoral violations from both opposition entities and the President.
This investigation was initiated shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden publicly expressed deep concern over the democratic backsliding in Georgia, urging a transparent inquiry into the allegations of election fraud. Biden's statement highlights a growing tension between Georgia and its Western allies, as the nation grapples with accusations of increasingly authoritarian behavior from its ruling party.
Following the election results, massive protests erupted, with demonstrators alleging that the ruling party utilized tactics reminiscent of Russia to manipulate the outcomes. International election monitors also raised alarms, citing an uneven playing field, instances of vote buying, double voting, physical violence, and intimidation.
The Prosecutor General's Office announced that the investigation was triggered by Zurabishvili's condemnation of the election results, which she deemed tainted by violations. She has called for her European and Western partners to exert pressure on Georgian authorities to address what she referred to as a 'stolen election.'
The investigation aims to scrutinize the accusations made by the President, political party representatives, and observer missions. The Prosecutor’s Office stated it will interview all individuals who might have information related to these alleged electoral infractions. Public updates regarding the investigative progress have been promised.
The October 26 elections were particularly contentious, occurring after Georgian Dream enacted a controversial foreign influence law resembling Russia's foreign agent law, amidst an opposition boycott and massive protests, some of which turned violent. Last month, legislation restricting LGBT rights was also passed, further leading to unrest.
Despite having limited powers under the Georgian Constitution, Zurabishvili, who has been at odds with the ruling party, urged the West to maintain pressure on Tbilisi to ensure that Georgia continues on its Western-oriented path. She previously refused to endorse the foreign influence and LGBT measures, which were ultimately passed due to the ruling party's parliamentary dominance.
In a statement released by the White House, Biden reiterated concerns that the elections were characterized by extensive misuse of administrative resources, voter intimidation, and coercion, affirming that Georgian citizens have the right to protest the election results peacefully. Some Western nations, including Sweden and Canada, have already begun to reassess their relationships with Tbilisi in light of these reported violations.
Furthermore, Biden underscored that the U.S. has long supported Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and aspirations for integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions. He expressed alarm over the country’s shift away from democratic principles, emphasizing the need for the Georgian government to investigate all reported violations thoroughly, repeal legislation emulating Russian laws that restrict civil freedoms, and engage in a dialogue with various political factions to restore electoral integrity.
In response to intensifying international scrutiny, the Central Electoral Commission of Georgia announced a recount of ballots at five randomly selected polling stations across each of the country's 84 electoral districts, in a bid to address concerns surrounding the fairness of the election process.
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