Last weekend, a mild drama unfolded at Georgia’s electoral commission building during the announcement of parliamentary election results. The head of the Central Electoral Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was splattered with black paint amidst claims from opposition supporters that the election was rigged. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, refuted these allegations, asserting that the election was conducted fairly.
The election results revealed that Georgian Dream secured 89 out of 150 seats in parliament. Critics have accused the ruling party of growing authoritarian tendencies, prompting thousands to protest after the election.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, David Kirtadze, a member of the commission representing the opposition United National Movement Party, interrupted the session by throwing black paint on Kalandarishvili.
International observers had previously characterized the parliamentary elections in Georgia as “divisive,” marred by violence, instances of double voting, and allegations of bribery among voters.
