“The people of Georgia’s democratic choice was undermined by rampant violations, including intimidation, violence, vote buying,” US Republican Senator Roger Wicker stated in a critical response to the parliamentary elections held in Georgia.
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"This past Saturday, the people of Georgia went to the polls to exercise their democratic right to choose their next government. Instead of a dignified, transparent, and lawful process, what they got was a farce.
Unfortunately, the Moscow-backed Georgian Dream party seems to think that alongside Russia and its authoritarian axis, they can wait out the United States and Georgia’s democratic allies," the senator stated.
As per his assessment, election fraud is a blow not only to Georgia's fragile democracy but also, if it continues, could mark the end of the country's long Euro-Atlantic aspirations and possibly its sovereignty.
"Its illegitimate result must be confronted with clarity and resolve. As long as the Georgian Dream clings to power through undemocratic means and under the tutelage of violent authoritarians, they will reap the contempt and isolation they so richly deserve," Wicker said.
In the October 26 parliamentary elections, the Central Election Commission reported that Georgian Dream received 53.93% of the votes. The four opposition parties and President Salome Zourabichvili believe this result is "totally falsified."
On this topic:
Senators: Hoped for Free and Fair Elections, But Witnessed Something Different
