In cities across Europe, Georgian emigrants have gathered to demand the opening of additional polling stations ahead of Georgia’s upcoming October 26 parliamentary elections. Protests have been held in Italy, Germany, and other European countries, with the rallying cry spreading across the Atlantic as Georgian communities in America joined the cause.
The protesters are calling for their voices to be heard and their right to vote upheld. They argue that Georgia’s current electoral system does not provide sufficient access for emigrants to participate in the democratic process. One protester expressed frustration, stating, “Immigrants are the layer on whose shoulders the budget of Georgia stands. We demand that our voices be protected. We want to return to Georgia, we don’t want communist elections.”
Participants emphasized their constitutional rights, pointing out that every Georgian citizen should be able to cast their vote, no matter where they are in the world. Some have specifically requested the opening of a polling station in Strasbourg, where a Georgian consulate exists and could support the organization of elections.
“We request to open the polling station in Strasbourg as soon as possible. Let Georgians have their constitutional right to participate in the parliamentary elections of Georgia and vote for their chosen one,” a rally participant declared.
