**Georgia‘s President Election Widens Divisions**
Former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected as the new President of Georgia on December 14. He won with 224 votes from a group of lawmakers and local councilors.
However, the process was met with public protests outside the Parliament building. Demonstrators called it “a farce” and said it wasn’t legitimate. This happened even though Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the post.
**Criticism Over Qualifications**
Kavelashvili doesn’t have a higher education diploma, which has sparked controversy. Critics say he’s not qualified to be President. But Bidzina Ivanishvili, the ruling party’s leader, said Kavelashvili “best embodies the Georgian man.”
**Opposition Speaks Out**
Many people in Georgia are against this election. They say it’s undemocratic and will damage the country. Even some members of the ruling party disagree with the decision.
President Salome Zurabishvili has spoken out strongly against Kavelashvili’s election. She says it’s “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional.” The opposition agrees, saying it’s a “coup” by the ruling party to take power.
**What’s Next?**
The situation in Georgia is tense. President Zurabishvili has said she will stay in the country as the only legitimate leader. The opposition is also pushing back against Kavelashvili’s election.
Marko Mihkelson, from Estonia, agrees with President Zurabishvili and says she remains the only legitimate leader of Georgia. This adds to the deepening divisions in the country.
**Related Stories:**
* President Zurabishvili Ridicules Kavelashvili’s Planned Election
* GD Parliament Removes President Zurabishvili’s Protection Detail
* “People’s Power” Stages Move into “Opposition”
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