Zurabishvili Declares Support for Citizens Amidst Controversial Election Results in Georgia

In a recent television address, President Salome Zurabišvili announced her support for the people of Georgia. She, along with the opposition, does not accept the results of the parliamentary elections held in October, which were officially won by the “Georgian Dream” party.

Zurabišvili stated, “There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president. Consequently, there cannot be an inauguration. My mandate will remain valid until a legitimately elected parliament is in place. But I am with you and will stay with you.”

Georgia is a parliamentary republic where the president has nominal powers. Zurabišvili won the popular presidential elections in 2018. However, changes to the Georgian constitution indicate that these will be the last direct elections for the head of state.

This December, the new president will be elected by a 300-member electoral college, consisting of half parliament members and half regional representatives.