Tbilisi Appeals Court upholds CEC election results, rejects lawsuit seeking annulment

The Tbilisi Court of Appeals has dismissed a lawsuit filed by three political parties—For Georgia, Strong Georgia, the United National Movement—and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) seeking to invalidate the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) final protocol and annul the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections. The court also rejected the plaintiffs’ request to schedule new elections.

The case was reviewed on November 22 by judges Natia Merabishvili, Khatia Ardazishvili, and Nino Chalidze without an oral hearing. The lawsuit, initially filed on November 18, followed the CEC’s approval of the final election results amidst protests and public outcry on November 16.

According to the finalized results, the ruling Georgian Dream party secured 89 out of 150 seats in the 11th convocation of parliament, while four opposition platforms collectively gained 61 seats. Opposition groups claim the elections were rigged and have refused to recognize the results. Only the ruling party acknowledges the legitimacy of the election outcomes.

The CEC and courts have largely dismissed complaints from opposition parties and civil society organizations regarding alleged violations, raising concerns over electoral fairness and transparency.