On October 30, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the recent elections, asserting they were conducted “absolutely cleanly, democratically, and fairly.” He reassured the public of the transparency of the electoral process, stating, “Absolutely everything will be open. Everyone can look into everything.” Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to the Central Election Commission (CEC) for its transparency and acknowledged the swift response of the Prosecutor’s Office to the CEC’s appeal, adding that this openness indicates that neither the CEC nor any other body has “anything to hide.” He emphasized the elections were “completely fair, free, and competitive,” inviting further scrutiny to confirm the process’s transparency.

Addressing concerns raised by Western leaders, including EU High Representative Josep Borrell, Kobakhidze noted, “We can also take into account calls from Western politicians, including [HR/VP] Borrell’s call for an investigation.” He affirmed the importance of Borrell’s recommendation, adding, “I thank the CEC and the Prosecutor’s Office for taking all of this into account.”

Later that day, President Salome Zourabichvili held a press briefing where she opposed what she called “political accountability.” Directly addressing the Prosecutor’s Office, she stated, “You are accountable to the people. The people are demanding that you conduct an immediate investigation.” Zourabichvili also questioned the timing of her summons, suggesting it “strangely coincides” with recent remarks by Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.

Calling for a thorough investigation, Zourabichvili said, “I am now addressing the Prosecutor’s Office: you are accountable to the people. Society is asking you for an immediate investigation… Today, no one expects the Prosecutor’s Office to open a clear political case against the President, which coincidentally aligns with Medvedev’s statements; I don’t know who is following these instructions and who is not.” She also presented video footage showing irregularities on election day, stating, “Here is the footage… it needs no explanation or clarification,” which she claimed clearly reveals the events of October 26.

In her remarks, Zourabichvili criticized the Prosecutor’s Office for summoning her to provide evidence, asserting, “As far as I know, it should be the other way around: the investigative body should obtain the evidence itself… That’s how it’s done in any normal country.” She urged the Prosecutor’s Office to focus on its responsibilities, saying, “I would urge the Prosecutor to do its job and stop holding the President politically accountable… As for the President, she will do her job.”