Georgian opposition protests rigging, breaks for soccer finals
SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images It looks like Georgia’s opposition may have a legitimate beef about yesterday’s parliamentary election, which President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party appears to have won commandingly. Here’s what the observer mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had to say: Parties were able to campaign actively, but there were numerous allegations ...
SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images
It looks like Georgia's opposition may have a legitimate beef about yesterday's parliamentary election, which President Mikheil Saakashvili's party appears to have won commandingly. Here's what the observer mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had to say:
Parties were able to campaign actively, but there were numerous allegations of intimidation, some of which could be verified [...] Election day was overall calm and generally assessed positively, although problems with inking and instances of pressure on observers and proxies were noted. Counting and tabulation was evaluated less positively, with many significant procedural shortcomings observed.
It looks like Georgia’s opposition may have a legitimate beef about yesterday’s parliamentary election, which President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party appears to have won commandingly. Here’s what the observer mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had to say:
Parties were able to campaign actively, but there were numerous allegations of intimidation, some of which could be verified […] Election day was overall calm and generally assessed positively, although problems with inking and instances of pressure on observers and proxies were noted. Counting and tabulation was evaluated less positively, with many significant procedural shortcomings observed.
While they differ little on policy, opposition parties accuse Saakashvili’s government of widespread corruption and are still angry over the crackdown on demonstrators in Tbilisi last year.
But as valid as their complaints may be, last night’s post-election rally sounds like one uninspiring affair:
The opposition called for protests in Tbilisi late on Wednesday night, saying tens of thousands would gather, but only about 1,000 people showed up […] Protesters then watched live coverage of the Champions League final in Moscow between English teams Manchester United and Chelsea.
It does sound like it was a good game, but still, this is no way to overthrow a government. I hope they weren’t Chelsea fans at least.
Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
