Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sparked controversy during his Tbilisi visit as he defended Georgia's disputed election results, which have been labeled as riddled with irregularities by both the EU and US. Meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Orban congratulated the ruling party, Georgian Dream, on their election victory, deeming it "free and democratic." This assertion stands in stark contrast to the findings of observers who reported significant electoral violations.
The June 2023 elections have seen rising tensions, with President Salome Zourabichvili claiming interference from Russian operatives and calling for public protests against what she declares to be a "stolen" election. Recent demonstrations have seen tens of thousands of Georgians rally against the election's legitimacy, compounded by widespread allegations of vote buying and ballot stuffing that independent monitors have documented extensively.
Observers from the monitoring group, "My Vote," reported instances where voters were able to cast multiple ballots due to poor electoral management and alleged collusion between election officials and the ruling party. The group detailed schemes where public sector workers faced coercion, and vulnerable families were offered cash in exchange for their votes. The election commission's insistence on the integrity of the process has done little to quell public unrest or the scrutiny of international allies.
Although Orban, Hungary’s representative amidst an ongoing EU presidency, ignored these serious allegations during his visit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged for swift investigations into the accused irregularities. The contradictory narratives between the government and opposition, along with the backdrop of increasing authoritarianism, presents a challenging scenario for Georgia's democratic institutions and geopolitical alignment.
With the shadow of Russia looming large, many in Georgia fear a step backward towards Moscow's influence as the president and opposition vow to continue their calls for action and accountability in the face of an election marred by doubt and dissent.
