Georgian opposition rejects election results amid rigging claims
The opposition Coalition for Change announced on Sunday that it is relinquishing the seats it officially won in the parliamentary elections in Georgia because it does not want to legitimise them. The leader of the group claims that a "technological special operation" took place in the country under the guidance of Russian services.
- We do not intend to legitimise the votes stolen from the Georgian nation, we are renouncing our parliamentary seats - stated Nana Malashkhia, who headed the electoral list of the bloc.
One of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, Nika Gwaramia, said that a "technological special operation" directed by Russian special services and a "usurpation of power" has occurred in Georgia - reported the Echo of the Caucasus portal (a branch of Radio Liberty).
Elections in Georgia
The Georgian Central Election Commission announced on Sunday morning that after counting ballots from 99% of polling stations in the parliamentary elections, the ruling Georgian Dream leads with 54.09%. The opposition forces that passed the electoral threshold officially won 37.58% of the votes. The Georgian opposition announced that it does not recognise the results presented by the CEC.
According to official data, the Coalition for Change won 11% of the votes in the elections and is entitled to up to 20 seats in the new parliament. Malashkhia emphasised that the first 20 candidates from their list are renouncing their seats.
Other opposition forces that passed the 5% electoral threshold have not yet issued similar statements. However, they believe the elections were rigged and do not recognise the results.
The Central Election Commission announced that Saturday's elections were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has governed since 2012, with a result of 54%.
