Hungarian FM defends Georgian elections, slams claims of legitimacy issues as "absurd"

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, Peter Szijjarto, has condemned the questioning of the legitimacy of Georgia's parliamentary election results as deeply humiliating for democracy.

He shared his views during an interview with Georgian TV channel, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“I have carefully reviewed the statements made by my fellow ministers following the parliamentary elections. Their remarks are utterly absurd. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe did not declare these elections as unfair, undemocratic, or lacking in freedom. Every challenge noted on paper could easily apply to elections in any European country, or indeed, anywhere in the world. Thus, to question the legitimacy of these elections and doubt the validity of the results is not only incorrect but also demeaning to the principles of democracy,” Szijjarto stated.

The diplomat's comments came shortly after his arrival in Tbilisi, where he is part of a Hungarian delegation led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Szijjarto also noted that Hungary and others whom they disapprove of often face similar accusations.

The parliamentary elections in Georgia took place on October 26, marking a significant moment as they were the first fully-proportional elections in the country. This election also introduced electronic voting, with approximately 90% of voters using electronic devices at polling stations. Given the new 5% threshold required for parties to gain representation in Parliament, many political parties formed coalitions.

Notably, the four main parties competing for seats — three major opposition coalitions and the For Georgia Party — signed the Georgian Charter initiated by the President.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, emerged victorious, securing 53.92% of the vote. However, the opposition coalition, comprised of four pro-Western parties, has refused to accept the election results. Its leader, incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili, announced the initiation of indefinite mass protests, urging Western partners to acknowledge the elections as “totally rigged.” This position has garnered support from the United States and the European Union (EU), whose representatives have called on Georgian authorities to investigate alleged violations and conduct a vote recount.

The Central Election Commission of Georgia has released the allocation of parliamentary mandates following the elections. According to the CEC statement, the distribution of seats is as follows:

• Georgian Dream (in coalition with People’s Force): 89 seats
• Coalition of Changes (including Akhali, Girchi More Freedom, Droa): 19 seats
• Unity - National Movement (including United National Movement, Agmashenebeli Strategy, European Georgia): 16 seats
• Strong Georgia (including Lelo, For the People, Citizens, Freedom Square): 14 seats
• Gakharia for Georgia: 12 seats

Currently, opposition parties are relinquishing their mandates and have no intention of entering Parliament. Nonetheless, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has asserted that the actions of the opposition will not hinder parliamentary operations or the processes involved in government approval.

By Tamilla Hasanova