Protests Erupt in Tbilisi Amid Local Elections

Mass protests have broken out in the Georgian capital as local self-government elections take place, Orda.kz reports. Voters are choosing more than 2,000 members of local councils (sakrebulo) and 64 mayors.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that candidates from the ruling Georgian Dream party are winning, claiming they have secured “more than 70% in all municipalities.”

Protests

Crowds of demonstrators surrounded the presidential residence at Orbeliani and broke into the courtyard. 

Police deployed reinforcements and used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

At the same time, another column of demonstrators blocked roads in front of the parliament building and marched toward Freedom Square, chanting “Georgia! Georgia!” According to Georgian media, there are reports of injuries.

The protesters’ main demands include early parliamentary elections, the resumption of the country’s path toward European Union integration, and the release of all those detained during the demonstrations.

The opposition accuses the ruling Georgian Dream party, its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of maintaining close ties with Russia.

Vote counting began at polling stations across Georgia following the municipal elections. Outside the presidential palace in Tbilisi, clashes were observed as protesters set fire to barricades. 

Announced Results

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia has released preliminary results from nearly all polling stations. According to the CEC, candidates from the ruling party are still achieving a decisive victory.

Tbilisi (92.6% of ballots counted):

• Kakha Kaladze (Georgian Dream) – 71.5%
• Irakli Kupradze (Strong Georgia and Gakharia for Georgia) – 12.4%
• Iago Khvichia (Girchi) – 7.5%

Authorities’ Response

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that “the rally has gone beyond the framework of assembly and demonstration permitted by law.”

According to the Caucasusian Knot, A criminal case has been opened in connection with “calls to overthrow the government, assaulting police officers, organizing or participating in group violence, and attempting to storm or block a strategic facility” after protesters tried to break into the presidential palace. 

The ministry also announced the arrest of all five protest organizers in Tbilisi, charging them with “calls to overthrow the government” and “organizing group violence” during the October 4 demonstrations that coincided with local elections.

Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the unrest in Tbilisi was an “attempted coup organized by foreign intelligence services.

He accused the EU ambassador of supporting efforts to overthrow the constitutional order.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov