Tbilisi: Georgian opposition stages mass protest against parliamentary election results Additional forces and special equipment deployed

Late on November 24, Georgian opposition party representatives, their supporters, and civil activists gathered in Tbilisi’s Republic Square to protest the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections.

The main group of demonstrators assembled at Republic Square, while others marched from various districts of the capital to join the rally. Protesters from regional areas have also travelled to Tbilisi by car to take part in the demonstration, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The protest organizers plan to camp overnight outside the Georgian Parliament building, aiming to disrupt the first session of the 11th convocation, scheduled for November 25.

Clashes between protesters and police

A scuffle erupted near the parliament building as demonstrators attempted to drive an auto column toward the site of the protest. Police blocked the route but were initially outnumbered, allowing several vehicles to break through to the parliament building.

Earlier, another confrontation occurred in a different area of the city, where police successfully prevented protesters from advancing toward the legislative building.

Protesters have also set up tents outside the parliament, intending to remain overnight as part of their protest strategy.

The demonstrations highlight rising tensions in Georgia following the disputed election results. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.

Bolstering security around parliament   

In response to the intensifying actions, the Georgian Interior Ministry increased security around the Parliament building, deploying additional forces and special equipment, including water cannons, buses, and tow trucks for vehicles to the site.

Protesters, who have been demonstrating on Rustaveli Avenue since the evening of November 24, have decided to remain outdoors overnight, setting up tents directly on the roadway. They are expressing dissatisfaction with the recent parliamentary election results and are demanding that the results be annulled.

The Ministry issued a warning to the opposition, stating that any attempt to block the Parliament building or other government institutions would lead to criminal liability.

Spending the night in tents

Several dozen protesters spent the night of November 24 to 25 in tents set up on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi in front of the Georgian parliament building.

Despite the generally calm situation, police detained one of the protesters. According to the Interior Ministry, the detainee was a citizen previously convicted on charges of assaulting a policeman.

In the coming hours, the first session of the new parliament is to be held, at which the chairman of the legislative body will be elected, as well as the prime minister and his government will be approved. It is already known that Shalva Papuashvili, who previously held the post of Speaker, will be nominated for the post of Speaker, and Irakli Kobakhidze will be nominated for the post of Prime Minister.

Background on elections

To recall, the parliamentary elections, held on October 26, resulted in victory for the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which secured 89 out of 150 seats in Parliament. The Coalition for Change garnered 11.03% of the vote and received 19 seats, while Unity — National Movement secured 10.17% and 16 seats. The Strong Georgia party received 8.81% and 14 seats, and Gakharia for Georgia earned 7.78% and 12 seats.

By Khagan Isayev