Georgia’s top court refuses to annul election results
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Georgia's top court dismissed complaints from President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition groups seeking to annul the October 26 election results.
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A demonstrator holds a European Union flag standing next to a burning barricade during a rally to protests against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the EU Tbilisi, Georgia on December 3, 2024. (AP)
Georgia's top court dismissed complaints brought on Tuesday by the country's president, Salome Zourabichvili, and pro-Western opposition groups seeking to nullify the recent general election, which was won by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The final ruling cannot be appealed and only two out of nine judges challenged it.
"The Constitutional Court of Georgia did not accept the lawsuits of the president and political parties regarding the recognition of the October 26 elections as unconstitutional," according to a statement from the organization.
The nation's pro-Western president and opposition continue to reject the election results, alleging widespread fraud yet failing to present any proof to back up their accusations. The vote reaffirmed this view.
Sunday brought a deepening political crisis in Georgia after the government suspended its pursuit of European Union membership, igniting mass protests and condemnation on the part of the EU.
The French-born Zourabichvili has refused to stand down from office, despite the constitution requiring her to acknowledge the approaching presidential election on December 14th. Despite violence on part of the protesters, she has responded by calling for more rallies and even encouraging youngsters to participate.
In a video address Saturday, she declared she was still president, saying "There is no legitimate parliament that will elect a new president,” and adding, “My mandate continues until there is a legitimately elected parliament that will legitimately elect a President who will replace me!”
Georgian PM blames 'EU politicians and agents' for unrest
Over the weekend, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze similarly promised that the country will not allow a situation like Ukraine's Maidan to unfold.
He alluded to the color revolution in Kiev a decade ago, which deposed Ukraine's democratically elected president, sparked hostilities across the nation, and resulted in the current war between the country and Russia.
“Unlike Ukraine in 2013, Georgia is an independent state with strong institutions and, most importantly, experienced and wise people. The Maidan scenario cannot be realized in Georgia. Georgia is a sovereign state and will not allow this,” Kobakhidze said during a conference on Saturday, as reported by News Georgia.
He explained how the present violent upheaval in Georgia, like the Maidan coup, is the product of EU politicians and their operatives interfering with the country's affairs.
"The main responsibility for yesterday's violent rally lies with the relevant European politicians and bureaucrats, with local agents, the fifth column, which is represented by four opposition parties," said the minister.
