Disputed Georgia vote puts US policy to test as protests begin
Georgian elections face serious questions about voter-pressure and intimidation while ruling party claims victory. International observers point to multiple problems as opposition and president reject official results
Around 20 years back when Ukraine faced election troubles US took a firm stand - now Georgia needs similar support. Back then Colin Powell spoke against fake results; today Antony Blinken needs to step-up
The Oct-26 parliament vote in Georgia showed many red-flags: voter-pressure widespread intimidation and rule-breaking (as per watch-groups reports). While the Georgian Dream party says they won observers dont agree with their claims
I want to say‚ as the [representative of the] only independent institution‚ that I donʼt recognize these elections
The US must follow Zourabichviliʼs lead - sanctions should target key figures like Bidzina Ivanishvili (party boss) Irakli Kobakhidze (prime-minister) and election officials. Blinkenʼs soft response isnt enough; he points to problems but avoids clear statements about results legitimacy
Ivanishvili made wild claims this spring saying opposition would start war with Russia if they won. His party which runs Georgia since 12 years ago controls most state-powers and tried to remove president twice. They pushed through a foreign-agents law (like Russias) despite huge street-protests
- EU stopped Georgiaʼs membership process
- US froze $95 million in aid
- Some officials got sanctioned
- Main players stayed untouched
Both sides stay firm: ruling party claims win opposition rejects it. Kobakhidze says theyʼll make government without others while Zourabichvili calls for street action. US and Europe need to support Georgian people who want to join NATO and EU - democracy here needs help right now
