MEP Rihards Kols accuses Georgian Dream of electoral manipulation, calls for new elections

In a Saturday post on X, MEP Rihards Kols accused Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, of orchestrating a “constitutional coup” following widespread allegations of voter intimidation and systemic manipulation in the recent parliamentary elections.

Kols dismissed Georgian Dream’s claims that the OSCE/ODIHR’s final report legitimized the elections, labeling them fiction. “Lies grow until they swallow their creators whole,” he wrote. “This isn’t democracy; it’s a constitutional coup. The international community must stand with the Georgian people and demand new elections to restore Georgia’s path to freedom and justice.”

Kols also praised President Salome Zourabichvili as “the only legitimate voice of the people” and urged support for her efforts to safeguard democratic principles in Georgia.

His remarks follow statements by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who argued that the OSCE/ODIHR report aligned with Georgian Dream’s assessment, describing the elections as free and competitive. Papuashvili claimed the report discredited “harmful speculation” about the election’s integrity.

However, Kols’ strong critique, echoed by other international voices, underscores growing concerns over democratic backsliding in Georgia. He warned about lingering Soviet-era tactics, stating, “Old Soviet habits die hard, but truth prevails. Always.”

The OSCE/ODIHR’s report highlighted significant issues during the elections, including voter intimidation, violence, and lack of transparency, fueling demands from opposition parties and civil society for fresh elections.