Georgia's election turmoil: PM rules out repeat vote amidst unrest

Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobachidze, has stated that he does not plan to organise repeat parliamentary elections, even though the October vote sparked a wave of protests.

According to official results, the elections were won by the Georgian Dream party, which recently suspended discussions on membership in the European Union until 2028. This decision faced strong criticism and protests in Tbilisi.

Despite the Georgian Electoral Commission confirming the results, the pro-Western opposition did not recognise them, claiming irregularities occurred.

Georgia's president, Salome Zurabishvili, supported the protesters and called for a repeat of the elections. Zurabishvili emphasised that the current parliament is not legitimate and that her mandate will continue until a new, legal parliament is elected.

Since Thursday, nighttime protests against the policy of the Georgian Dream have been ongoing in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. Demonstrators oppose the decision to suspend talks with the EU, leading to regular clashes with the police. Officers use water cannons, pepper spray, and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.

When asked about the possibility of repeat elections, Prime Minister Kobachidze responded briefly: "Of course not." His stance remains unchanged despite growing social and political tensions in the country.