What's happened
Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, claimed victory in the parliamentary elections, winning 54% of the vote amid allegations of voter intimidation. The opposition has called the results a 'constitutional coup' and plans protests, raising concerns over the country's pro-Western aspirations and potential political crisis.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Pjotr Sauer from The Guardian reported that the opposition accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of a 'constitutional coup' and alleged widespread voter intimidation. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe noted evidence of 'democratic backsliding' in their preliminary report. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted the starkly different exit polls, with some predicting a majority for the opposition, while others favored the ruling party. This divergence illustrates the contentious nature of the election and the potential for ongoing political strife.
How we got here
Georgia's parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024, were seen as pivotal for the country's EU membership aspirations. The ruling Georgian Dream party has shifted towards pro-Russian policies, leading to increased tensions with the opposition and Western allies.
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