**OSCE Report Criticizes Georgia’s Elections**
A report by the OSCE/ODIHR has highlighted several issues with Georgia’s 26 October parliamentary elections. The report criticizes voter pressure, intimidation, and an uneven playing field.
The ruling Georgian Dream party‘s PM Irakli Kobakhidze praised the OSCE/ODIHR for their assessment of the election, saying it was a “proper” one. However, opposition parties disagree with this view, calling the report “unprecedentedly negative”.
**President Denies Election Legitimacy**
President Salome Zurabishvili has denied the legitimacy of the election results, accusing the ruling party of spreading lies through their propaganda outlet Imedi TV. She also called on foreign partners to demand new elections.
On December 21, President Zurabishvili met with civil society and opposition leaders, reiterating her call for new elections. She said they must be held “immediately”.
**Tensions Rise Between Government and Opposition**
The situation between the government and opposition has become increasingly tense. PM Kobakhidze threatened President Zurabishvili with imprisonment, saying she would face consequences if she continued to violate the law.
**Georgian Officials Face Sanctions**
Meanwhile, several Georgian officials have faced sanctions from foreign countries. The US Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on two senior Interior Ministry officials under the Global Magnitsky Act.
The UK also imposed sanctions on senior Georgian officials for their role in cracking down on peaceful protesters and restricting fundamental freedoms.
**Additional Travel Restrictions Imposed**
Latvia has imposed additional travel restrictions on 13 Georgian citizens, calling them “persona non grata” in the country. The names of those affected have not been made public.
**Georgian Casualties in Ukraine Rise**
A further casualty was announced on December 21: Badri Kvaratskhelia, a Georgian citizen, died while fighting in Ukraine. This brings the unofficial death toll to 62 since the Russian invasion.
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