Georgia prosecutors investigate alleged election ‘tampering’ Trendy Blogger

Georgia has launched an investigation into alleged “tampering” of its parliamentary elections, prosecutors said Wednesday, after the pro-Western opposition said the vote was “stolen” and Western countries criticized the irregularities .

Pro-Western opposition parties have refused to recognize the results of Saturday’s vote, which they say was rigged in favor of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

US President Joe Biden added his voice to international criticism of the election on Tuesday, saying he was “deeply alarmed” by democratic “backsliding” in the Caucasus country and that the vote was tainted by ” intimidation and coercion of voters.

“Georgian citizens have the right to peacefully express their opinions regarding the conduct of these elections, which independent international and domestic observers have not described as free and fair,” Mr. Biden said. “We call on all parties to strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which remain the foundation of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future. »

A declaration of GeorgiaThe public prosecutor said it had “opened an investigation into the alleged falsification of the legislative elections”. The statement said that President Salomé Zurabishvili, who “is suspected of possessing evidence regarding possible falsification…was summoned to the investigative agency for an interview” on Thursday.

Zurabishvili – at odds with the ruling party – declared the election results “illegitimate,” alleging election interference by a “Russian special operation,” a claim that was rejected by the Kremlin.

Opposition parties said they would not enter the “illegitimate” new parliament and demanded “new” elections organized by an “international electoral administration.”

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi on Monday to protest, while the United States and the European Union condemned election “irregularities.”

A leading election observer group in Georgia says it has uncovered evidence of complex and large-scale fraud. Nearly complete election results showed the ruling Georgian Dream party won 53.9 percent, compared to 37.7 percent for an opposition coalition.