Georgian Opposition Camps Out for a Vote Rerun
Two weeks after the parliamentary elections, the Georgian opposition is demanding a rerun of the vote won by the pro-Russian party, Georgian Dream.
On November 17, protesters set up around 30 tents near Tbilisi State University. They vowed to stay in the streets until new parliamentary elections are held. The opposition has been rallying against the October 26 elections results, which declared Georgian Dream victorious.
President Salome Zourabichvili called the vote “totally rigged.” International observers also reported instances of intimidation and pressure. Now, Zourabichvili plans to file a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court to challenge the outcome.
The opposition leaders present at the scene were Nika Gvaramia, Elene Khoshtaria, and Zurab Japaridze from the Coalition for Change. Police demanded that protesters restore vehicle traffic blocked since November 17. They cleared the roadway of tents, barricades, and vehicles blocking intersections on Varaziskhevi, Chavchavadze, Melikishvili, and Kekelidze streets.
The protest camp was cleared early on November 19 by police with special forces and water cannons but no other riot control equipment. Several detentions were made on Melikishvili Street, according to Echo Kavkaza. Protesters had been provided with blankets, mats, hot tea, and portable toilets during their demonstration.
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