Nov 29, 2024, 12:00 AM
Nov 28, 2024, 12:00 AM

European Parliament set to vote on Georgia's election crisis resolution

Highlights
  • The Georgian parliamentary elections produced a significant win for the ruling party, leading to opposition protests and a parliamentary boycott.
  • EU officials will discuss the Georgia situation, with demands for an international investigation into election violations likely to arise.
  • The European Parliament plans to address the issue with a nonbinding resolution, signaling ongoing concern regarding democratic practices in Georgia.
Story

Georgia has found itself in a political turmoil following parliamentary elections that saw the ruling Georgian Dream party securing 54 percent of the votes. This election outcome has sparked widespread opposition protests and a boycott from the opposition parties, citing election irregularities. The European Union is navigating a complex situation, as more than three weeks have passed since the election results, and its response remains uncertain. During a meeting on November 18, EU foreign ministers are anticipated to discuss the unfolding crisis, with some Central and Eastern European member states advocating for an international investigation into alleged election violations. Meanwhile, at the end of November, the European Parliament is expected to address the issue with a nonbinding resolution that may call for new elections, reflecting the EU's growing concern about the democratic integrity in Georgia. The overall atmosphere around the EU’s actions indicates it is trying to support democratic values while doing so in a manner where it feels it holds limited sway over the situation, likening its role to being the only one 'on the dance floor.' The challenges in Georgia exemplify the EU's dwindling options in the region, especially as it seeks to balance relationships with NATO and secure cooperation amidst growing tensions with Russia, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical changes in Eastern Europe. This situation serves as a critical point for the EU, evaluating how best to engage with its eastern neighbors, especially as historical events and recent electoral processes seem to hint at a fracturing democratic landscape in the region.

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