Official results from the Central Election Commission show that the ruling Georgian Dream Party has a lead of 54.23% after more than 99% precincts have been counted. The total number of opposition parties who passed the 5% threshold was 37.44%. While the Georgian Dream celebrates its victory, the opposition denies that the elections were legitimate. Observer organizations also speak of “large scale” rigging. They demand the annulment the official results. The OSCE/ODIHR released its first preliminary assessment. It stated that the elections took place amid entrenched polarization and an environment marred with concerns over recent legislation, its impact upon fundamental freedoms, and civil society.
We have gathered the international reactions to the results of the election:
European People’s Party (EPP): “The EPP stands by the Georgian people as they fight to choose their place among democratic nations of Europe without intimidation and free choice.” All irregularities committed during the recent elections by government authorities must be investigated quickly.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Ukraine: “We must admit that Russia has won today in Georgia. They took a piece of Georgia, changed the policy and the government. Now there is a pro Russian government with pro Russian positions. No sanctions against Putin. There are many Russians living in Georgia. They chose to be friends with Russia and not join the EU. They changed their position. Today, Russia has won. “They have taken away Georgian freedom”.
Joe Biden, U.S. president: “Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary election was marred by numerous documented misuses of administrative resource as well as voter coercion and intimidation.” Georgian citizens are entitled to peacefully express themselves about the conduct of these election, which have been deemed unfair and unfree by independent international and national observers. We call on the Georgian Government to transparently investigate any election irregularities and repeal laws like the “Foreign Influence Law”, which limit freedoms of expression and assembly. We also urge them to start an immediate, inclusive dialog with all political parties in Georgia to restore election integrity.
Nicolas Maduro is the President of Venezuela. “Over time, progressive leftists and nationalists currents have emerged and come to power. Last Sunday, the Georgian people gave them a 56% vote, a stellar, exemplary victory. What is the United States saying about this? What is the United States saying?
Ulf Hjalmar Kritersson, Swedish Prime Minister: “We haven’t received the final reports but everything indicates that there were many irregularities. That it was an election that wasn’t reliable. There has been outright fraud in various ways… It is extremely concerning that a Russian-influenced Government does everything they can do to stop serious approaches towards Europe where there is popular will. The Prime Minister says that there must be consequences. We cannot work with authorities who oppose everything we stand for.
Lin Jian is China’s foreign spokesperson: “Georgia held a smooth election for the parliamentary. We respect the decision of the Georgians and wish them stability and prosperity. China is ready to work with Georgia in order to advance bilateral relations.”
Andrzej duda, president of Poland: “Just got off the phone with President Zurabishvili. We discussed the deeply worrying situation in Georgia after recent parliamentary election. I reiterated Poland’s unwavering commitment to the Euro-Atlantic ambitions of the Georgian people.”
Joe Wilson, Chairperson of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, said: “Yesterday President Zurabishvili and members of the Georgian Opposition joined him to announce to world that Georgian Parliamentary Election Results were illegitimate. They called on the Georgian People to take to their streets and protest and asked for the support of the international community as they fight to preserve their democracy and chosen pathway to Euro-Atlantic Integration. I stand with President Zurabishvili, the Georgian people and the Georgian Dream Government in this fight. I warn them against using violence to silence the protesters. “The world is watching.”
Ursula von Der Leyen: “The people in Georgia have fought for democracy. They have a legal right to know what took place this weekend. They have a right to know what happened this weekend. “Free and fair elections are the core of European values.”
Gitanas Nuseda, Presidente of Lithuania: “Concerns regarding parliamentary election fraud should be addressed. Georgians are entitled to democratic elections. Lithuania will continue to support the European dream of Georgians. [He wrote in a social network after a telephone conversation with President Salome Zurabishvili].
Maia Sandu is the President of Moldova. “Moldova stands in solidarity with all Georgians who fight for freedom, democracy, and a European Future.”
Farah Dakhlallah is the NATO Spokesperson. “The International Election Observation Mission noted the uneven playing fields in which Georgia’s election was held, which undermines the public trust in the result.” Reports of violations related to elections should be investigated fully.”
Lars Lokke Rasmussen is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Denmark. He said: “Denmark fully supports the democratic rights of the Georgians to free and fair elections. OSCE/ODIHR observations that the elections were marred with unlevel playing fields, pressure and tension. We take these findings seriously.”
Foreign Ministry of Czech Republic : “Czechia has expressed concern about the reported irregularities during Georgia’s parliamentary elections. We closely monitor the situation in Georgia. We urge all sides to refrain violence. “The Georgian authorities must respect democratic values and stop any actions that threaten Georgian’s European direction.”
Radek Sikorski is the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs. “The President has announced that Georgia’s parliamentary elections have been rigged.” “Europe must now stand by the Georgian people.”
HR/VP Josep Borell: “We urge the Central Election Commission of Georgia, and other relevant authorities, to fulfill their duty and investigate and adjudicate on electoral irregularities and claims thereof in a transparent and independent manner. These irregularities must also be clarified. This is a crucial step in restoring trust in the electoral system… In line the conclusions of the European Council of 17 October, EU calls on Georgia adopt democratic, comprehensive, and sustainable reforms in line with core principles of European Integration…
Espen Barth Eide is the Foreign Minister of Norwey. “I am concerned about the OSCE/ODIHR Report on the Georgian Elections that documents numerous irregularities. It also documents intimidation, pressure on voters and unlevel playing fields. Uncertainties about the integrity of the electoral process undermine confidence.
Edgars Rinkevics is the President of Latvia. “Georgians have a dream to be Europeans. No one has the right steal this dream by intimidation and manipulation.” “Full solidarity with the people and President Salome Zurabishvili of Georgia.”
Jean-Noel Barrot is the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs for France. He said: “The preliminary findings from OSCE/ODIHR confirms our concerns about recent events in Georgia, where elections to parliament have just taken place. We expect the authorities will investigate any allegations of irregularities. The fundamental freedoms and political pluralism of Georgia must be respected in order for it to return to the European Union.”
Maria M. Stenergard is the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs. She said: “I am deeply concerned about the irregularities reported by OSCE/ODIHR, and other observers, in Georgia’s election. To restore trust, I urge Georgian officials to address these concerns credibly in an inclusive political procedure. We are prepared to work on Georgia’s European Integration, with all forces in the parliament truly committed to European principles and values. Georgia’s EU ambitions are undermined by laws that restrict civil society and fundamental human rights. They must be repealed.”
Charles Michel, President, European Council: “Following Georgia’s parliamentary elections, I intend to place Georgia on the agenda for the informal EUCO meeting in Budapest. We take note of the OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary assessment and urge the Central Election Commission, as well as other relevant authorities, to fulfill their duty and investigate and adjudicate any electoral irregularities or allegations thereof in a transparent and independent manner. These alleged irregularities need to be clarified and addressed. We reiterate our call to the Georgian leaders to show their firm commitment to the EU path of the country, in line with EUCO’s conclusions from June and October. Now, a constructive and inclusive dialogue across all political spectrums is paramount. The November EUCO will evaluate the situation and determine the next steps for our relations with Georgia.”
Caspar Veldkamp is the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. He said: “The elections in Georgia were uneven and marked by significant irregularities on election night. I urge the Georgian authorities, to address the concerns raised by OSCE/ODIHR international election observers. Georgia’s new government should recommit itself to democratic principles, if it is to fulfill its promise to Georgians to bring the country nearer to the EU. I commend the important work done by OSCE/ODIHR in its Election Observation Mission for Georgia.”
German Federal Foreign Office (Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs): “Germany fully endorses the preliminary findings and conclusions made by the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission on yesterday’s Parliamentary Election in Georgia. We are concerned by the reported tense atmosphere and irregularities, which must be addressed. Germany is closely monitoring the events in Georgia. It calls on all parties involved to show restraint, avoid violence and further polarisation. The handling of the results of the elections and the formation of the government will also affect Georgia’s future progress and its European path.”
Rasa Jukneviciene (MEP): “Desperately trying to hold on to power, Georgian Dream created a toxic partisan atmosphere far from democracy. The government is using the Kremlin playbook to conduct elections. We are closely watching the evaluations of election observers.”
Sergey Lagodinsky: “No observers can certify fraud. Article 78 in the Constitution of Georgia obliges Georgia to progress its integration into the EU. The “winner” ran against this obligation. “Any election that produces an anticonstitutional outcome needs to be rerun!”
Baiba Braze is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Latvia. She said: “All of Latvia closely follows the parliamentary elections in Georgia, and is waiting on the OSCE/ODIHR assessments from international observers. We are concerned by reports of various irregularities during the election.”
Alicia Kearns is a Member of Parliament from the United Kingdom. She said: “The numerous reports from Georgia that suggest election rigging, and breaches of Georgian electoral laws confirm the fears expressed by many in the last few months. The people of Georgia deserve fair and free elections.”
Rihards Kols (MEP): “The people in Georgia deserve free and fair election, but reports of violence, vote buying, and intimidation show that the recent elections fell far short of this standard. Georgia risks losing its European path if it does not engage in genuine democratic processes. The EU must take this development seriously and stand firm on the principles that democracy and the rule-of-law.”
Gabrielius Landsbergis is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Lithuania. “Elections should be based on fairness and freedom.” I take all allegations of irregularities during any election very serious and will be closely monitoring the situation in Georgia.
Zygimantas Pavinis, Member of Lithuanian Parliament, said: “Georgian nightmare is stealing the European Future of Geogian Nation, trying to consolidate Russian or Belarussian back to the Russian Past instead of consolidating their future, freedom, democratic, souveränity and territorial integrity within the EU and NATO.”
Margus Tsahkna (Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs): “Reports about irregularities in Georgian election give rise to grave concerns.” “Follow closely the evaluations of both international and local observers.”
Viktor Orban sent his congratulations to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Georgian Dream Party before the official preliminary results were announced: “Congratulations on your overwhelming victory in the parliamentary election today.” The people of Georgia have spoken out today and know what’s best for their country.
Ilham Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan. “I warmly congratulate your country on the results of the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party’s victory in the parliamentary election held in Georgia. By voting, Georgians expressed their support for stability, development, and traditional values. “I believe that the election results will contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Georgia.”
Aleksey Pushkov Senator of the Russian Federation said: “There may be still unrest in Georgia but it appears that Western “regime changes” in Georgia through supporting the opposition have, simply put failed. Georgian Dream was able to win with over 54% of votes, a majority. The West’s plan aimed to turn Georgia into a semi-colony by promising it a happy, multi-gender integration into the “non-binary”, family of European nations. This did not appeal for some reason to the majority Georgian voters. Zurabishvili’s demagoguery, which is becoming more and more reminiscent of the Saakashvili years, did not appeal to the majority of Georgian voters. Saakashvili also dreamed a new pro Western revolution in Georgia. Where is it now?
Grigory Karasin is the head of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs. He said: “According reports from Tbilisi the parliamentary election in Georgia was held in a calm environment. Another indicator of civic activity is the high voter turnout, which was around 58%. The Georgian Dream’s 53% vote share and the entry of four other parties into the Parliament promise an active period for the country’s politics. We are confident that the election will be conducted in an orderly and civilized way. This is not only in the interests of Georgia, but also of the entire Caucasus.”
Marko Mihkelson is a member of the Estonian parliament. He said: “Georgia’s apparent falsification of election results makes it impossible to recognise their legitimacy.” By rigging an election, one can not join the European Union but end up in Russia’s embrace.
Nikol Pashinyan is the Prime Minister for Armenia. “I congratulate Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister for Georgia, and the party “Georgian Dream”, on their victory in the parliamentary election. I believe that strategic relations between Armenian and Georgia will continue to grow sustainably, for the benefit of the Armenian and Georgian brothers.
More to come…
HR/VP Borrell : The election confirms the trend of moving away from EU
Concerns Mount Over Mass Breach Of Ballot Secrecy In 2024 Vote
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