Former Georgian Prime Minister Accuses Government of Rigging Elections, Aligning with Russia
In a profound and exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, former Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri has issued a stark warning about the alarming political developments within his country. He asserts that Georgia has succumbed to “Russian-styled elections” and rebukes the ruling government for eroding fundamental democratic principles. These actions, he emphasizes, represent yet another stumbling block in Georgia’s quest for European Union membership.
The Allegations of Rigged Elections
“The elections were rigged, and we have an illegitimate parliament right now,” Gilauri pronounced emphatically, casting serious doubt on the legitimacy of the recent elections. He underscored that the victory of the Russian-aligned Georgian Dream Party is a significant uplift for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence in the region, warning that the repercussions could be severe for Georgia’s Western aspirations.
One of the most notable comments from Gilauri drew attention to Putin’s immediate praise for Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who announced a pause in Georgia’s efforts to integrate with the European Union. “It all looks very much orchestrated,” Gilauri remarked, positing that Russia’s interference is pivotal to the current political turmoil in Georgia.
Moscow’s Familiar Tactics
Gilauri, who held the office of Prime Minister from 2009 to 2012, drew parallels between Georgia’s situation and Moscow’s manipulative tactics observed in other nations. Citing previous instances of Russian interference—such as in Romania’s presidential elections and Moldova’s democratic processes—he indicated, “The same scenario, written in Moscow, is playing out in Georgia now.” This assertion points to a systemic strategy by Russia to destabilize neighboring countries and solidify its influence in the region.
The Rise of Protests and Government Crackdowns
Since late November, Georgia has erupted into protests, with thousands of citizens braving the winter chill to voice their opposition to the Georgian Dream Party’s self-declared electoral victory. The demonstrations stem from widespread allegations of election fraud, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation. As tensions escalate, international observers and opposition leaders have voiced their concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Amnesty International reports over 460 demonstrators have been detained, with claims of severe beatings and cruel treatment documented for nearly 300 individuals. The Georgian Dream Party asserted a victory margin of 54% to 38%, but skepticism remains high regarding the legitimacy of these results.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has characterized the election environment as “tense,” pointing to violent incidents and voter coercion as clear indicators of escalating unrest. As the controversy grows, European Council President Charles Michel has called for comprehensive investigations into the alleged electoral irregularities, stressing the need for transparent accountability.
Leadership in Turmoil
Amid the chaos, the only remaining legitimate institution appears to be the presidency, currently held by Salome Zourabichvili. With her term ending on December 29, Zourabichvili has taken a strong stance against the perceived electoral fraud, refusing to acknowledge the parliament’s jurisdiction to nominate her successor. Her potential successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, known for his alignment with the Georgian Dream and critical of Western influences, is perceived as a threat to Georgia’s democratic ideals.
Zourabichvili has emerged as a rallying figure in the ongoing protests, mobilizing citizens in Tbilisi and calling for renewed electoral processes. “I am ready to sit down and find a solution on how to schedule elections, but the decision must be agreed upon by the 29th,” she stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). However, her defiance has drawn harsh rebukes from current Prime Minister Kobakhidze, who hinted at possible imprisonment if she continues to resist the government’s orders.
Setbacks for Georgia’s EU Ambitions
This political crisis jeopardizes Georgia’s long-sought alignment with the European Union. A staggering 83% of Georgians support EU membership, yet the pro-Russian Georgian Dream Party has stalled significant progress since the country attained candidate status earlier in 2023. A contentious “foreign agent” law, demanding that NGOs and media organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources register as foreign agents, has sparked international outrage and despondency among Georgian citizens.
The United States has responded firmly, imposing sanctions and travel restrictions on Georgian officials who supported this controversial measure. Additionally, the State Department suspended million in governmental assistance and condemned the repression of dissenting voices within Georgia.
A Pivotal Moment for Georgia
The present political situation has unveiled profound fissures within Georgian society and triggered grave concerns among Western allies. As Georgia finds itself at a crossroads between democratic governance and authoritarian tendencies, the stakes are remarkably high. Observers and experts warn that the country’s democratic future, alongside its European ambitions, hangs precariously in the balance.
“Putin’s influence is spreading throughout the region,” Gilauri cautioned, positioning Georgia as a frontline state in this geopolitical contest. With ongoing protests and mounting international scrutiny compounding tensions, there is increasing pressure on Georgian leaders to recalibrate their approach or risk further isolating their nation from the West.
This grave political crisis in Georgia serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of democracy in the face of external influence and internal corruption. As citizens demand transparency and accountability, the path forward for Georgia remains uncertain but undoubtedly crucial for the region’s future.
This report included contributions from Reuters.
