The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia has approved the falsified election results. In response, the opposition set up the first tents on the territory of Tbilisi State University, began blocking nearby streets, and plans to scale up the protests. The freedom-loving people of Georgia already have experience in overthrowing a criminal regime. Get ready to flee to Russia, Bidzina!

The Central Election Commission approved the final protocol of the parliamentary elections held on October 26, which were not recognized by the opposition or the President of Georgia. The protocol was read out during the commission's meeting by CEC Secretary Giorgi Javakhishvili. The announced figures confirmed the preliminary results, showing that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, retains power for a fourth term. According to the election results, the ruling party secures 89 out of 150 seats in parliament.

In addition to the ruling party, four opposition forces—including three coalitions and the party of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia—will also enter parliament.

“The final protocol has been prepared. This officially concludes the electoral process,” announced Giorgi Kaladadze, the head of the CEC, after signing the protocol.

However, none of the opposition forces that secured seats in parliament accept the announced results. The opposition is demanding new parliamentary elections and hopes for an international investigation into alleged violations during the October 26 elections, expressing distrust in Georgia's investigative and judicial systems. The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, also labeled the October 26 elections as "massively falsified."

On Sunday, November 17, a 24-hour protest action led by Georgian opposition forces began near the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) building. The protesters, who rejected the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections, set up tents near TSU’s first building at the intersection of Vasil Varazis Khevi Street and Chavchavadze Avenue. Opposition representatives stated that the university territory is only the first stop for the demonstrators, who intend to block nearby streets for 24 hours and release hourly updates about their future plans, according to Georgia’s First Channel.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com, https://www.dw.com