Following discussions with opposition parties after the October 26 parliamentary elections, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili held a press briefing, declaring that she would not recognize the official election results.

President Zourabichvili thanked those who voted for Georgia’s European future, stating, “Many of you stood up and claimed victory in these elections. No one has the right to deny us our European path.” She extended her gratitude to observers and media representatives, acknowledging their dedication under challenging conditions to protect the vote’s integrity.

However, the President cited widespread irregularities, noting, “The violations were so extensive that it was impossible to capture them all.” She described the election as “unprecedented in scope: a wholesale manipulation, a comprehensive theft of votes, employing every imaginable method of distortion, including modern technologies to conceal the fraud.”

Describing the experience as “a Russian-style special operation, a new form of hybrid warfare imposed on our people,” President Zourabichvili asserted that October 26 marked a profound violation of Georgians’ right to vote. “These elections were Russian in nature—our electoral institution was hijacked, our constitutional right to vote stolen, and even our emigrants were denied this right,” she stated.

She thanked international allies for exposing these violations but insisted it was not enough to secure justice. “As the only independent institution, I must be clear: I do not recognize these elections as legitimate. We will not accept this,” she declared, calling for unity. “Together, we will resist this new form of Russian subjugation.”

President Zourabichvili urged citizens to assemble on Rustaveli Avenue on October 28, stating, “Let us gather to tell each other and the world that we reject these elections, that we stand for our constitutional rights, every single vote, and our future. We have the right to fair, free, and transparent elections. This act will symbolize our collective determination.”

Following the elections, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement addressing Georgia’s recent parliamentary vote. He condemned “all breaches of international standards” and supported calls from international and local observers for a thorough investigation into reported electoral violations.

Blinken highlighted that “since 2004, Georgia’s vibrant democratic spirit has been a source of resilience, and the high voter turnout reflects the Georgian people’s commitment to democracy.” However, he noted that this year’s pre-election environment was marred by “the ruling party’s misuse of public resources, vote-buying, and voter intimidation, which skewed the playing field and undermined both public and international confidence in the process.”

“While international and local observers largely found Election Day itself to be well-managed, we remain concerned by reports of irregularities and isolated violence,” Blinken said, reiterating that observers had not deemed the election outcome free and fair. “We condemn all breaches of international norms and support calls for a full investigation into all reported election-related violations.”

Blinken’s statement concluded with a forward-looking appeal: “As Georgia moves forward, we encourage its political leaders to uphold the rule of law, repeal legislation that limits fundamental freedoms, and work together to address flaws in the electoral process. Georgia’s commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration, enshrined in the constitution, requires the government to protect civil society’s rights and the fundamental freedoms of all Georgian citizens.”