Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has openly declared her refusal to recognize the recent parliamentary election results, citing concerns of widespread electoral fraud and Russian influence. At a Sunday evening press briefing with opposition parties, Zourabichvili denounced the election as a step recognizing “Russia’s entry” in Georgia.
“I want to speak today as the only independent institution in this state. I do not recognize these elections. Recognition of these elections would equal acknowledging Russia’s entrance into our country,” Zourabichvili stated, adding that it’s not why Georgians’ ancestors fought, and Georgians will never accept it.
Zourabichvili pointed to numerous alleged irregularities in the electoral process, describing it as “total falsification” and stating that advanced technology was employed to conceal fraud on a large scale. According to her, the election process requires thorough investigation to address the widespread irregularities she claims were witnessed.
In a show of solidarity with opposition forces, President Zourabichvili announced plans for a protest rally on October 28 at 7:00 PM on Rustaveli Avenue, urging citizens to gather peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to defend every vote.
“With the opposition, I invite everyone to join us tomorrow evening, 7:00 PM on Rustaveli Avenue. Together, we will stand firm and show the world that we do not accept these elections, that we defend our constitutional right to peacefully protect every vote,” Zourabichvili concluded.
