**Georgia Elects New President Amid Deepening Political Divide**
Former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the new president of Georgia. He received 224 votes from a college of lawmakers and local councilors, with only one vote against him.
The election took place amidst public protests outside the parliament building. The previous president, Zurabishvili, called the elections “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional”.
**Reaction from Political Leaders**
Supporters of Kavelashvili welcomed his election, saying it marked a new era for Georgia. Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chair of the Georgian Dream party, congratulated Kavelashvili on his election and said he would work to unite the country.
The Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, also welcomed the election, saying it would strengthen Georgia’s statehood and reduce radicalism. The leader of the parliamentary majority, Mamuka Mdinaradze, praised Kavelashvili for his loyalty to the homeland and patriotism.
**Opposition Leaders Reject Election**
However, opposition leaders rejected the election as illegitimate. Sopo Japaridze, one of the leaders of Unity-UNM, called it a “circus” and an insult to the Georgian people. Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of Strong Georgia, accused Ivanishvili’s government of being self-proclaimed and in complete isolation from the Western world.
**Uncertainty Ahead**
The election has left many questions unanswered. The opposition continues to demand new elections, while supporters of Kavelashvili are hopeful that he will bring stability and unity to the country. As one opposition leader said, “This process will definitely end with the victory of the Georgian people.”