Georgian president refuses to recognize election results, accuses Russia of interference

ISTANBUL

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced on Sunday that she would not acknowledge the results of the recent parliamentary elections, alleging Russian interference aimed at consolidating its influence in Georgia.

“As the last independent institution, I cannot recognize these elections—it would legitimize Russia’s takeover of Georgia,” Zourabichvili wrote on X, adding, “Our ancestors endured too much for us to surrender our European future.”

Preliminary election results indicate a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party, which secured 53.93% of the vote. Opposition groups, including the Coalition for Change with 11.03%, Unity-UNM with 10.16%, Strong Georgia with 8.81%, and Gakharia for Georgia with 7.77%, garnered smaller shares.

Speaking from the Presidential Palace, Zourabichvili condemned the election process, describing it as a case of “hybrid warfare” and labeling it part of a Russian strategy to extend its reach into Georgian politics. She insisted that Georgia’s European future was at stake, declaring, “We reject Russia’s infiltration and occupation.”

Aligning with the opposition, Zourabichvili called on international allies to “protect Georgia by standing with the people, not an illegitimate government.” She invited the public and opposition leaders to gather for a demonstration in front of the Parliament Building in Tbilisi on Monday evening.

As of yet, Russia has not issued a response to Zourabichvili’s allegations.