Georgian PM dismisses Russian claims of US influence in upcoming elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed concerns raised by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) regarding potential US interference in Georgia's parliamentary elections.

Kobakhidze criticized the SVR’s warning as unfounded, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“I don’t think this is a correct forecast,” Kobakhidze stated.

He argued that for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to issue a report on non-competitive electoral conditions, substantial evidence would be required.

The Prime Minister assured that all political parties in Georgia operate freely, making such a report highly unlikely in his view.

The SVR reported on September 11 that the US State Department, in collaboration with ODIHR, plans to influence the upcoming elections scheduled for October 26 in Georgia. 

The agency alleged that Washington aims to undermine the ruling Georgian Dream party's chances of victory.