European Council President raises doubts over Georgia’s parliamentary elections

European Council President Charles Michel has expressed “serious doubts” regarding the integrity of Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, calling for a thorough investigation into allegations of fraud.

Speaking following a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Michel said “the elections were held. There are doubts.

There are serious suspicions of fraud, and it needs a serious investigation. We need clarity about this process to make sure that everything was done fairly and transparently. These doubts are not only in Europe, but also in other countries of the world”.

Michel’s remarks come ahead of an informal European Council meeting in Budapest, where the Georgian election will be on the agenda for EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

During his meeting with Michel, Kobakhidze reiterated Georgia’s commitment to European integration, highlighting the importance of fair international support in the country’s democratic process. “Until the course of the Georgian government changes,” he added, emphasizing the government’s dedication to its European path.

The election results have sparked controversy within Georgia, with opposition parties and President Salome Zourabichvili accusing the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of election manipulation. The opposition has rejected the results and called for new elections to be overseen by an international body.

Preliminary data from Georgia’s Central Election Commission shows Georgian Dream holding power for a fourth consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the alleged election irregularities, following a complaint from the CEC. Both the President and opposition leaders have been summoned for questioning as part of the inquiry.