**Georgia’s Democracy on the Brink**
Tensions ran high in Georgia after a disputed parliamentary election. The ruling Georgian Dream party secured 53.93% of the vote, but opposition parties questioned the result.
The elections were widely criticized for being unfair and unfree. International observers deemed them uncompetitive and marred by undue influence. This has raised serious doubts about their legitimacy.
**Problems with the Election**
There were several issues with the election process. The ruling party pushed through a law that restricted civil society organizations and media outlets, sparking protests. E-voting was also introduced without proper training or transparency, which disadvantaged opposition parties and voters.
Election commissions were dominated by Georgian Dream members, undermining their credibility. Voting machines had internet connectivity and registry systems that raised fears of manipulation. On election day, there were reports of observers being denied access or even threatened by police.
**Post-Election Developments**
Despite the controversies, the ruling party ignored constitutional safeguards and convened parliament. The Georgian President challenged the election’s legality in the Constitutional Court, but her concerns were ignored.
The Prime Minister then announced a suspension of Georgia’s EU accession bid until 2028, defying the public’s pro-European aspirations. This sparked nationwide protests, with demonstrators demanding a democratic and European future.
**International Response**
In response to Georgian Dream’s actions, the United States suspended its strategic partnership with the Georgian government. U.S. lawmakers introduced bills to counter the ruling party’s authoritarian drift.
Meanwhile, the Baltic states imposed sanctions on Georgian leaders responsible for democratic backsliding. The European Parliament had already called for new elections under international supervision and EU sanctions against top Georgian officials.
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