In Georgian election dispute, opposition protesters block street in Tbilisi
Accusing government of election fraud, protesters demand rerun of elections
Protestors gather in front of the parliament building, demanding the reorganization of the elections and blocked Ilia Chavchavadze Street near the First Campus of the Ivane Javakhishvili State University and began to set up tents in Tbilisi, Georgia on November 17, 2024.
TBILISI, Georgia
Rejecting the ruling Georgian Dream Party's victory in Oct. 26 parliamentary elections, opposition protesters in the Caucasus country on Sunday blocked a major street in the capital Tbilisi and set up tents.
Accusing the government of election fraud, the protesters demanded a rerun of the elections.
While demonstrations continued outside the parliament building, leaders and supporters of the Coalition for Change opposition bloc announced a 24-hour occupation of Ilia Chavchavadze Street.
Coalition leader Nika Gvaramia said they would expand such peaceful protests across Tbilisi.
Election controversy in Georgia
Georgian Dream secured 53.93% of the vote, claiming 89 seats in the 150-member parliament, according to official figures published Saturday.
Opposition parties, along with President Salome Zourabichvili, rejected the outcome, alleging fraud.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the election as democratic and announced that parliament would convene on Nov. 25 despite protests.
