17.11.2024 10:50
Tensions rose during a meeting in Georgia where the final election results were announced. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was attacked by an opposition representative. Davit Kirtadze threw black paint at Kalandarishvili's face, saying, "You are a black stain."
While the final results of the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on October 26 were announced, tensions arose. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was attacked with paint by the opposition during the meeting where the results were to be announced.
"YOU ARE A BLACK STAIN," HE SAID AND THREW BLACK PAINT AT HIS FACE
Davit Kirtadze, a representative of the United National Movement, the party of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, approached the podium before the results were announced and threw black paint at Kalandarishvili, saying, "You are a black stain."
CAME WITH A BANDAGED EYE
After the incident, tensions rose in the meeting room, and the attacker Kirtadze was removed from the hall, leading to a break in the meeting. Kalandarishvili, who was attacked with paint, later came to the meeting with his left eye bandaged. Kalandarishvili, who signed the protocol regarding the final results of the elections, conveyed his congratulations to the parties and the elected members of parliament.
FOURTH VICTORY FOR THE GEORGIAN DREAM PARTY
The Georgian Dream Party, which achieved its fourth consecutive victory in the elections, received 53.93% of the votes, winning 89 seats in parliament. The Coalition for Change received 11.03% of the votes, winning 19 seats, the United National Movement received 10.17% of the votes, winning 16 seats, the Strong Georgia Coalition received 8.81% of the votes, winning 14 seats, and Gakharia for Georgia received 7.78% of the votes, winning 12 seats.
"THE ELECTIONS WERE COMPLETELY RIGGED"
President Salome Zurabishvili stated the following in a statement made the day after the election:
"I do not recognize these elections. It is impossible to recognize these elections. Recognizing this means recognizing Russia's intervention. The elections held on October 26 were completely rigged."
The opposition parties that gained representation in parliament also announced that they would not go to parliament and demanded new elections.