Georgia begins investigating its disputed election amid Opposition questions probe

Georgian Dream party wins election amid allegations of fraud, sparking calls for independent investigation from US and EU.

The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia said Wednesday (October 30, 2024) it has launched an investigation into alleged vote rigging in last weekend’s parliamentary election, which officials said was won by the ruling party and the opposition denounced as illegitimate.

The Opposition immediately raised objections that the Prosecutor’s Office would not conduct an independent investigation because its head was appointed by parliament, which is dominated by the Georgian Dream ruling party.

Georgian Dream, which has deepened the country’s ties with Russia, declared victory in Saturday’s election after authorities said it won about 54% of the vote with almost all ballots counted. The balloting was seen by many Georgians as a choice between continuing to support the ruling party or seeking closer integration with the European Union.

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European observers said the election took place in a “divisive” environment marked by intimidation and instances of vote-buying, double voting and physical violence. Georgian observers also reported multiple violations and said the results do not reflect “the will of the Georgian people.”

The United States and the EU have called for a full and transparent investigation of the alleged violations.

Thousands of people rallied outside the parliament building Monday night to hear Opposition speakers, including President Salome Zourabichvili, denounce what they called a stolen election.