Georgia opposition calls election results protests as president accuses Russia

In this handout picture taken and released by the Georgian presidential press service on October 27, 2024, Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili, flanked by leaders of opposition parties, speaks during a press conference at the presidential palace in Tbilisi, a day after the parliamentary elections.

The Georgian opposition called for protests on Monday, and the European Union demanded an investigation into "irregularities" after a disputed legislative vote that showed a win for the ruling party accused of moving toward Russia's orbit.

Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili on Sunday accused Moscow of orchestrating election fraud, calling it a "Russian special operation."

Amid angry opposition claims over the result, Zurabishvili called for a rally on Monday. Jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili also called for mass protests.

The European Union had warned that Saturday's vote, seen as a crucial test of democracy in the Caucasus country, could determine Tbilisi's chances of joining the bloc.

EU Council President Charles Michel wrote on social media that Georgian authorities should "swiftly, transparently and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations thereof."

"These alleged irregularities must be seriously clarified and addressed," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said he supported calls for investigations into "election-related violations," citing reports from international and local observers of "vote buying and voter intimidation."

After meeting with opposition leaders in Tbilisi, Zurabishvili said there had been a "total falsification of the election."

"We are witnesses and victims of a Russian special operation, a modern form...