**President Denounces Elections as “Failed”**
On November 18, President Salome Zurabishvili spoke at a press conference in the Orbeliani Palace. She said that the elections had failed and proposed her plan for moving forward.
The Central Election Commission has published its final election results. However, President Zurabishvili gave her own assessment of the situation. She said that voters’ constitutional rights were violated during the elections. The secrecy of the vote and universal suffrage were not respected, particularly for emigrants.
President Zurabishvili also mentioned widespread and systematic rigging before and during the election days. She stressed that complaints should be considered fairly by an independent court.
**Opposition Parties Reject Election Results**
The President noted that none of the opposition parties have accepted the election results. A part of society continues to protest, not recognizing the new parliament. Civil society and observer missions inside and outside the country also did not recognize the elections as free and fair.
**International Community Not Recognizing Elections**
President Zurabishvili said that three weeks after the elections, none of Georgia’s democratic partners have recognized them. On the contrary, they are highlighting violations and discussing pressure measures.
The President emphasized that these elections failed and that the country is in a very serious situation. She warned of political instability and crisis, which can be fueled by organized propaganda from authorities.
**President’s Plan for Moving Forward**
To address this situation, President Zurabishvili proposed her plan:
1. New elections should be held as soon as possible.
2. The political configuration that existed before October 26 should be maintained.
3. An international investigation is needed to identify systemic violations and correct them.
The support of international partners is crucial for implementing these plans. President Zurabishvili also urged society to continue protesting, saying that their efforts are necessary for change.
She announced her intention to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court over the violation of voters’ constitutional rights.
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