Georgian President refuses to recognise ruling party’s victory in general elections

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Sunday refused to recognise the outcome of the parliamentary elections held on Saturday, claiming the vote had been “completely rigged”.

“These elections cannot be recognised, because it is a recognition of Russia's entry here, of Georgia's subordination to Russia. We will not tolerate this. Nobody can take away Georgia's European future”, Zourabichvili said.

“Technology was used to whitewash rigging. Such a thing has never happened before. Russian-style elections were held [in the country]”, she also claimed.

Zourabichvili, along with the leaders of the opposition parties, further urged citizens to join a protest on Rustaveli Avenue in the capital city of Tbilisi on Monday to ensure “together we can tell the world that we do not recognise these elections”.

Preliminary data from the Central Election Commission indicates the  ruling Georgian Dream party will be represented by 89 MPs in the new Parliament.

Four opposition parties and alliances are also expected to gain seats, collectively holding a total of 61 mandates.