Stones and tear gas: Tensions flare in Tbilisi over contested election outcome

Clashes between protesters opposing the parliamentary election results and law enforcement officers erupted on Melikishvili Avenue in Tbilisi.

Police are attempting to push back demonstrators and clear the roadway, using tear gas in the process, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Protesters are resisting, throwing stones at the officers. Several individuals have been detained.

Earlier, special forces from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs dispersed demonstrators in Tbilisi who had set up tents and blocked the avenue near Tbilisi State University. The police successfully cleared Chavchavadze Avenue, driving the protesters toward Melikishvili Avenue nearby. Opposition leaders are present at the scene but have yet to make any statements.

Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has called for a rerun of the parliamentary elections, arguing that the October 26 vote cannot be considered valid.

“When elections in the country have not taken place properly, it is essential for them to be repeated as soon as possible,” Zourabichvili stated during a briefing, adding that the country faces “destabilization and dual governance” because of the contested election.

According to Georgiy Dzhavakhishvili, Secretary of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), the ruling party “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” won the parliamentary elections with 53.93% of the vote, securing 89 seats in the 150-member parliament. The “Coalition for Change” received 11.03%, gaining 19 seats, and the “Unity – National Movement” won 10.17%, earning 16 seats.

The “Strong Georgia” party obtained 8.81% of the vote, acquiring 14 seats, while “Gakharia for Georgia” captured 7.78%, securing 12 seats.

On Saturday, November 16, a protest was held outside the Central Election Commission in Georgia. Opposition figures and activists gathered in Tbilisi, where police blocked access to the CEC.

Another demonstration began on November 18 and is ongoing.

By Tamilla Hasanova