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Posts: 6,250
Edison Research publishes the results of a public opinion poll on pre-election sentiments
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/623313-edison-research-i-cinasaarchevno-gancqobebis-shesaxeb-sazogadoebrivi-azris-kvlevis-shedegebs-akveqnebs
Posts: 900
Two opinion polls have appeared since I last wrote about them. The first comes from Edison. Must give a warning here. Looking on Wiki at the list of previous polls, Edison always gives GD a much higher mark-up than the other polling companies. In their previous polls (excluding their first one), they always give GD a % in the mid to upper 30's. The other polling companies usually place them in the 20's. Edison are an international company with a decent reputation - but it does look iffy.
(To see Wiki's election page, go to www.wikipedia.org and look for '2020 Georgian parliamentary election').
These are the figures. They include a new party, Strategy Aghmashenebili(SA), which is already the 4th largest, and 2 other tinies (shown as others), which don't show up on the Wiki page as Wiki haven't changed their display to be able to show them! :-
Party id. % (after exclusion of non-voters) Number of proportional seats won if % is correct
GD 47.4 57
UNM 22.4 27
EG 6.6 8
SA 5.3 6
SLP 3.9 5
APG 3.9 5
Girchi 2.6 3
Lelo 2.6 3
DMUG 1.3 2
Citizens 1.3 2
Others(4) 2.6 3
GD/Opposition % total 51.3/48.7
" MPs 62/58
The next poll is by IPSOS.
Although GD are up here on the previous IPSOS polls, their nasty little friends, APG, have declined, and so there is very little change in the GD/Opposition ratio. Here are the figures, ordered as above :-
GD 39.7 48
UNM 27.0 32
EG 8.0 10
SA 7.7 9
SLP 3.2 4
APG 1.8 2
DMUG 1.1 1
Citizens 0.8 1
Gerchi 4.1 5
Lelo 4.1 5
Others (1) 2.6 2
GD/Opposition % total 41.5/59.5
" MPs 50/69 (1 lost in rounding).
So, depending on the pollster, it looks like either a safe opposition victory; or a small GD one. Either way, it should be a vast improvement on the current crushing GD majority. Fingers crossed.
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Sorry about the untidiness of those columns. It was outside my control.
Posts: 900
As is usually the case, the source of this info from Wikipedia is written in Georgian. (To see Wiki's election page, go to www.wikipedia.org and look for '2020 Georgian parliamentary election'. To see the source, press the blue arrows next to 'European Georgia'). In spite of the language difficulties, a lot can be understood by comparing the Wiki numbers with those on the source.
First of all, some notes of caution. This poll was apparently compiled by 'European Georgia'. I don't know of any polling organisation of that name, but it is the name of one of the parties (EG), which is stated to have increased it's share of the vote in this poll; although, to be fair, most of the other parties have increased their share too.
These gains are primarily at the expense of non-voters/ won't sayers, whose joint numbers have halved. (It should perhaps be pointed out that if all those who said they were going to vote did so, the turnout would be 84%, which seems very unlikely!).
Here are the figures. The %'s have been calculated by removing the non-voters and wont-says, and then turning the results into percentages of the total who have given a voting preference. The number of proportional seats is then calculated from those percentages.
Party id. Then % (after exclusion of non-voters) Then Number of proportional seats won.
GD 32.3 39
UNM 21.9 26
EG 13.9 17
SA 6.3 8
Lelo 6.0 7
SLP 4.9 6
Girchi 4.7 6
APG 1.7 2
Others(3) 8.3 10
GD(GD + APG)/Opposition % totals 34/66.
Proportional MPs 41/80 (1 too many in total due to rounding error).
Posts: 900
A new poll has come out today. As is usually the case, this polling info is taken from Wikipedia and the source was written in Georgian. Fortunately, even without knowing Georgian, a lot can be gleaned by comparing the numbers on Wiki with those on the source. (To see Wiki's election page, go to www.wikipedia.org and look for '2020 Georgian parliamentary election'. To see the source, go to 'European Georgia' in the 'Pollster' column, and hit the blue arrows. ).
First of all, some big notes of caution with this one. The poll was apparently compiled by 'European Georgia'. I don't know any polling organisation by that name, but it is the name of one of the parties (EG), which is said to have increased it's share of the vote in this poll. There is a big decline shown in the GD share, and the joint share of the vote assigned to 'Don't Know' and 'Won't say' has halved. In fact, if all those who have said they'll vote actually do so, there will be an 84% turnout, which seems very unlikely.
As before, I've taken out the 'Don't Knows' and 'Wont Says', and recalculated the % on the amended figures. The number of proportional seats is what would be won if those figures matched the vote on the day.
Here's the figures showing Party id. then % (after exclusion of non-voters) then Number of proportional seats won.
GD 32.3 39
UNM 21.9 26
EG 13.9 17
SA 6.3 8
Lelo 6.0 7
SLP 4.9 6
Girchi 4.7 6
APG 1.7 2
Others(3) 8.3 10
The split between GD & APG/Opposition in terms of % in this poll would be 34/66.
The split in terms of proportional MPs would be 41/80 (1 too many due to rounding error).
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Sorry for the above duplication!!!!
Posts: 6,250
Opposition leader's views
Badri Japaridze - We are deprived of our freedom - we do not admit the falsity of what happened yesterday
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627083-badri-japarize-chven-gvartmeven-tavisuplebas-ar-vagiarebt-siqalbes-rac-gushin-moxda
Tako Charkviani - I am not a follower of this unworthy parliament
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627075-tako-charkviani-am-ugirs-parlamentshi-pexis-shemdgmeli-ar-var
Tina Bokuchava - It is important to be uncompromising and not tolerate the results of rigged elections, which were told to us by Ivanishvili and Nana Devdarian Tamar Zhvania
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627073-tina-bokuchava-mnishvnelovania-viqot-ukompromiso-da-ar-sheveguot-gaqalbebuli-archevnebis-shedegebs-rac-dagvido-ivanishvilma-da-nana-devdarianad-kceulma-tamar-zhvaniam
Khatia Dekanoidze - This fight will not stop until the new elections, do not think that we will get tired and drop the shield-sword
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627070-xatia-dekanoize-es-brzola-ar-gacherdeba-axal-archevnebamde-nu-ggoniat-rom-daviglebit-da-par-xmals-davqrit
Tornike Janashvili - We state unequivocally that "Reformer" does not recognize the election results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627069-tornike-janashvili-chven-calsaxad-vacxadebt-rom-repormeri-ar-agiarebs-archevnebis-shedegebs
Irakli Okruashvili - These elections are not legitimate, refusal of mandates will automatically lead to re-elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627066-irakli-okruashvili-es-archevnebi-ar-aris-legitimuri-mandatebze-uaris-tkma-avtomaturad-gamoicvevs-xelaxal-archevnebs
Pikria Chikhradze - We call on our political colleagues to do everything possible to prevent the illegitimate parliament from gaining legitimacy in today's reality
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627064-pikria-chixraze-movucodebt-politikur-kolegebs-qvelaperi-gavaketot-imisatvis-rom-aralegitimurma-parlamentma-ver-sheizinos-legitimacia-dgevandel-realobashi
Giorgi Kvirikashvili - It frustrates sane people when they do not take even half a step towards national consolidation, it brings dangerous results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627062-giorgi-kvirikashvili-sagad-moazrovne-adamianebis-imedgacruebas-icvevs-roca-naxevar-nabijsac-ar-dgam-erovnuli-konsolidaciisken-es-saxipato-shedegis-momtania
Zaal Udumashvili - The opposition will not have any legitimacy in this election, we will leave Ivanishvili and his team alone
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627061-zaal-udumashvili-aranairi-legitimacia-ar-ekneba-opoziciis-mxridan-am-archevnebs-marto-davtovebt-ivanishvils-da-mis-gunds
Salome Samadashvili - We will not get these results, we demand new elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627060-salome-samadashvili-am-shedegebs-ar-mivigebt-vitxovt-axal-archevnebs
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Part 2
According to Zurab Japaridze, the decision on whether to enter the parliament has not been made by any party yet
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627057-zurab-japarizis-inpormaciit-parlamentshi-shesvla-arshesvlis-sakitxze-gadacqvetileba-jer-arcerti-partiis-mier-ar-aris-migebuli
Badri Japaridze - This can not be called a democratic election, it was a day full of fraud, violence
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627056-badri-japarize-amas-ar-sheizleba-demokratiuli-archevnebi-ecodos-es-iqo-siqalbit-zaladobit-gajerebuli-dge
Giorgi Vashadze - I am in favor of boycotting the Parliament - Early elections are one of the ways we can go
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627055-giorgi-vashaze-parlamentis-boikotirebisken-vixrebi-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ert-erti-gzaa-ra-gzitac-sheizleba-cavidet
Nino Burjanadze - My party's entry into the parliament depends on whether Nino Burjanadze will be silent and send a message to Ivanishvili, whether she will be more or less obedient
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627051-nino-burjanaze-chemi-partiis-parlamentshi-shesvla-arshesvla-imazea-damokidebuli-gachumdeba-tu-ara-nino-burjanaze-da-ivanishvils-gaugzavnis-mesijs-ikneba-tu-ara-met-naklebad-morchili
"Civil Platform 20/20" releases a statement regarding the parliamentary elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627049-samokalako-platporma-2020-saparlamento-archevnebtan-dakavshirebit-gancxadebas-avrcelebs
Roman Gotsiridze - If the issue cannot be resolved at the table, then it will be decided by the street
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627047-roman-gocirize-tu-magidastan-ver-cqdeba-sakitxi-mashin-mas-gadacqvets-kucha
Gigi Ugulava - it was everything except elections, Aslan Abashidze, not even Shevardnadze - held such elections - there will be a common opposition rally
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627043-gigi-ugulava-es-iqo-qvelaperi-archevnebis-garda-aset-archevnebs-atarebda-aslan-abashize-shevardnazec-ki-ara-ikneba-saerto-opoziciuri-akcia
Ana Dolidze - We must do everything to leave "Georgian Dream" "alone at home" today
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627038-ana-dolize-qvelaperi-unda-gavaketot-imistvis-rom-dges-kartuli-ocneba-davtovot-marto-saxlshi
"Lelo" - we do not recognize the results of this election - early elections are the only way out of this impasse
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627035-lelo-ar-vagiarebt-am-archevnebis-shedegs-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ertaderti-gamosavalia-am-chixidan
Eka Beselia - Elections should not be legitimized, so it will be impossible to run the country
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627031-eka-beselia-archevnebis-legitimacia-ar-unda-moxdes-ase-kveqnis-martva-sheuzlebeli-ikneba
Posts: 6,250
Part 3
Sergi Kapanadze - Boycott of the Parliament is one of the versions that is really being considered, but the final decision will be made within the party
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627034-sergi-kapanaze-parlamentis-boikoti-ert-erti-versiaa-romelic-namdvilad-ganixileba-tumca-saboloo-gadacqvetilebas-partiis-shignit-mivigebt
Davit Berdzenishvili - The government in Georgia can not change only with the ballot paper, the ballot paper needs to be used and protected inside the country
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627024-davit-berzenishvili-sakartveloshi-mxolod-biuletenit-ver-icvleba-xolme-xelisupleba-biuletens-schirdeba-mixmareba-da-dacva-kveqnis-shignit
Mariam Jashi - We do not recognize the election results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627021-mariam-jashi-chven-archevnebis-shedegebs-ar-vagiarebt
Giorgi Margvelashvili - "Dream" failed to do what the "Nationals" failed to do: admit that people turned their backs - I do not see a force in the opposition that will sign these results and commit suicide
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627014-giorgi-margvelashvili-ocnebam-ver-shezlo-is-rac-nacionalebma-shezles-agiareba-rom-xalxma-zurgi-akcia-ver-vxedav-opoziciashi-zalas-romelic-am-shedegebze-da-tavis-suicidze-xels-moacers
Salome Samadashvili - Ivanishvili's rigged elections will have no legitimacy, either inside or outside the country - the government will have to call new elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627012-salome-samadashvili-ivanishvilis-mier-gaqalbebul-archevnebs-arc-kveqnis-shignit-da-arc-kveqnis-garet-legitimacia-ar-ekneba-xelisuplebas-axali-archevnebis-danishvna-moucevs
Tina Khidasheli - For the first time since 2003, I would also vote for Nika Melia, the candidate of the National Movement - Voters punished "Dream" for the illegality it committed against Melia
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627009-tina-xidasheli-2003-clis-shemdeg-pirvelad-mec-xmas-mivcemdi-nacmozraobis-kandidat-nika-melias-amomrchevelma-dasaja-ocneba-im-ukanonobistvis-rac-melias-mimart-ganaxorciela
Ahmed Imamkuliev - Yesterday's election was not an election, Ivanishvili conducted a special operation
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/626997-ahmed-imamkulievi-gushindeli-archevnebi-ar-iqo-archevnebi-ivanishvilma-chaatara-specoperacia
United Georgia Representative - None of the data released by Tamar Zhvania is true
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/626964-ertiani-sakartvelos-carmomadgeneli-arcerti-monacemi-rasac-tamar-zhvania-avrcelebs-simartles-ar-sheesabameba
Gia Khukhashvili - Early elections will most likely be held
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627001-gia-xuxashvili-magali-albatobit-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ikneba
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Part 4
Nika Melia - Elections stolen with weapons, beatings and humiliation will not be selected
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627092-nika-melia-iaragit-cema-tqepit-da-damcirebit-moparuli-archevnebi-ar-sherchebat
Gia Zhorzholiani Says Preliminary Results Published by Election Commission Do Not Reflect Reality
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627097-gia-zhorzholiani-acxadebs-rom-saarchevno-komisiis-mier-gamokveqnebuli-cinascari-shedegebi-realobas-ar-asaxavs
Vano Machavariani - Now it is important for the opposition to reach an agreement on a joint action plan
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627089-vano-machavariani-axla-mnishvnelovania-opoziciashi-saerto-mokmedebis-gegmaze-shetanxmeba-shedges
Aleko Elisashvili - The CEC and "Georgian Dream" were deliberately insulting us, we must fight back
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627090-aleko-elisashvili-cesko-da-kartuli-ocneba-dagegmilad-gvaqenebdnen-sheuracxqopas-amaze-brzolit-unda-gavcet-pasuxi
The protesters moved to Bidzina Ivanishvili's residence
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627093-akciis-monacileebma-bizina-ivanishvilis-rezidenciastan-gadainacvles
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Police Uses Water Canons against the Protesters Gathered Near CEC
The Georgian police used water cannon against protesters who are gathered in front of the Central Election Commission. Additional police groups and special forces are mobilized on the spot.
Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the "National Movement" called on the participants of the protest rally in front of the Parliament to picket the CEC.
"Let's stay and set a curfew in the CEC building. No one can enter and no one can leave until new elections are scheduled. Tamar Zhvania should go home," Melia said, adding that this was part of a plan drawn up by the opposition.
The demonstrators are protesting the results of the election, not only in Tbilisi but in Batumi, too. They are also accusing the police of being politically biased and encourage them to stand by their fellow citizens.
By Nini Dakhundaridze
Image source: Radiotavisupleba
08 November 2020 22:18
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22976/Police-Uses-Water-Canons-Against-the-Protesters-Gathered-Near-CEC
Posts: 6,250
Pages of articles about the protests.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=1
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=2
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=3
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=4
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=5
Posts: 6,250
It's even on the BBC
Georgia protests: Tbilisi police fire water cannon at demonstrators
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54868053
Posts: 6,250
US Embassy & EU Delegation: Georgia Needs Parliament Able to Address Immediate Challenges
"Georgia needs a parliament able to play its role to address the immediate challenges; all political sides need urgently to take responsibility for ensuring such an outcome," reports the joint statement released by the US Embassy and the EU Delegation in Tbilisi.
The statement notes that a credible and inclusive legal process is needed to correct substantiated election violations.
"We call upon all Georgians who plan to exercise their right to assembly on 8 November to do so peacefully and with respect to COVID-19 precautions, and call on the Georgian authorities to assist in providing for such an environment.
"With regard to the ongoing electoral process, we encourage political parties to continue addressing allegations of electoral violations by using the legal means within the democratic processes that Georgia has built over the past 20 years.
"A credible and inclusive legal process for remedying substantiated electoral violations is necessary to ensure that the will of the voters is respected, that public confidence in the electoral process is assured, and to ensure the public can accept the election results as legitimate. We stand ready to contribute as required to achieving these objectives. A credible and inclusive legal process for remedying substantiated electoral violations is necessary to ensure that the will of the voters is respected, that public confidence in the electoral process is restored, and to ensure the public can accept the election results as legitimate. We stand ready to contribute as required to achieving these objectives.
"Georgia needs a parliament able to play its role to address the immediate challenges of economic turmoil, a pandemic and regional tensions, as well as to enact additional reforms to improve the country's democratic, legal and electoral processes for the future. All political sides need urgently to take responsibility for ensuring such an outcome," reads the statement.
07 November 2020 21:05
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22967/US-Embassy-%26-EU-Delegation%3A-Georgia-Needs-Parliament-Able-to-Address-Immediate-Challenges
Posts: 6,250
Posted by Jonathansxx on the 8th November :-
"The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), a non-governmental organization, assesses the use of water cannons by police in front of the CEC building and says that there has been a disproportionate use of force by the state.
"Fair Elections expresses outrage at the use of disproportionate force by the state against protesters during a protest rally near the Central Election Commission on November 8.
We believe that there was excessive use of force by the police in an attempt to disperse the rally. A water cannon was used completely unreasonably. There were also reports of the use of tear gas, which was denied by the Interior Ministry. It is noteworthy that the action was in the initial phase when using a water cannon. As long as the action did not go beyond the form and legal scope of peaceful expression, there was no basis for the use of force. "Nevertheless, completely disproportionate methods of force were used against the protesters without any warning to the protesters." - It is said in the statement issued by the organization.
The NGO calls on law enforcement to refrain from using force against protesters and to ensure the smooth exercise of the right to assembly and demonstration.
Today, the police used water cannons to disperse the gathering at the rally near the CEC building. Earlier, protesters hurled stones at an iron dam erected in front of the CEC. It was reported that the police also used tear gas, but denied the fact of using gas at a briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.palitranews.ge/&xid=17259,15700023,15700186,15700190,15700259,15700271,15700302
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MIA: All Protesters Who’re Violating Restrictions on Movement Shall be Fined
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has recently announced that all persons who violate the restrictions on movement and stay outside to protest after 22:00 shall be fined GEL 2,000.
“Pursuant to the government’s resolution, the movement of persons is prohibited from 22:00 to 05:00 in all large cities of Georgia, both on foot and by vehicle. We urge you to obey the established regulations, otherwise the offence will result in a fine of GEL 2,000 for individuals and GEL 10,000 for legal entities. Those who violate the established regulations will be identified and will be held administratively liable for their legal offences”, the MIA said.
Despite the newly imposed restriction on movement due to the coronavirus pandemic, which enters into force tonight, activists and opposition leaders have declared disobedience and intend to spend the night on Rustaveli Avenue.
09 November 2020 23:33
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22984/MIA%3A-All-Protesters-Who%E2%80%99re-Violating-Restrictions-on-Movement-Shall-be-Fined-
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UNM Leader Urges Opposition to Immediately Move the Process to Negotiating Table
Grigol Vashadze, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, has released a statement regarding the ongoing political processes and street rallies in the country, calling on all the opposition parties to immediately move the process to the negotiating table.
"Let's replace the street with a tribune of legislators of all levels," this is the main message of his address.
He said that neither the government nor the opposition, despite the well-founded arguments and protests of the opposition, has the right to tolerate the development of unruly processes.
The online edition New Post first published Vashadze's statement. The "National Movement" has confirmed that his statement is authentic, however, they refrain from talking about additional details.
"Grigol Vashadze's statement was not a position agreed with the party leaders and the political council," Khatia Dekanoidze, one of the UNM leaders, said on Facebook.
"It is unfortunate that the party chairman is making such a statement without discussion. We are not against negotiations, only with terms shared by the entire opposition spectrum," she noted.
Initially, the National Movement was among the parties that did not recognize the results of the October 31 parliamentary elections and called on the people to protest. They said that they would not enter the parliament and demanded both early parliamentary elections and a change in the composition of the Central Election Administration.
Later, Grigol Vashadze released an explanation regarding his statement.
"I will further explain:
Citizens' protests must continue;
A political component must be added to this protest immediately - through the mediation of strategic allies in the form of negotiations on the implementation of the principles of fair elections;
Until/if the negotiations are successful, we will neither participate in the second round nor enter the Parliament;
"Once and for all, we should all work hard so that in the future street protests do not replace the normal process due to election fraud," Vashadze was quoted as saying by the party's press service.
Rallies have been held since the announcement of the October 31 Parliamentary Election results in Georgia, declaring the ruling party Georgian Dream as the winner. Opposition members and supporters claim that the election was rigged and demand the re-appointment of the elections and the resignation of the CEC chairperson Tamar Zhvania.
By Ana Dumbadze
10 November 2020 15:02
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22991/UNM-Leader-Urges-Opposition-to-Immediately-Move-the-Process-to-Negotiating-Table
Posts: 6,250
Politics
10.11.2020 / 22:23AA
Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia on November 17
Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia on November 17
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the visit is scheduled for November 17-18.
"We welcome the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Georgia on November 17-18. During the visit, the Secretary of State will hold meetings with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia , Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani . Mike Pompeo will also meet with Georgian Catholicos in Tbilisi. -Patriarch Ilia II.
During the Secretary's visit to Georgia, the high-level meetings will focus on the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Charter priorities and prospects for further deepening cooperation between our countries in defense and security, as well as trade and economy, democracy, peoples and culture. In the field of exchange.
During the meetings, the parties will discuss the security environment in Georgia and the region, and cooperation between countries to strengthen regional and international security. The parties will also discuss the ongoing democratic and economic reforms in Georgia.
The US Secretary of State's visit to Georgia underscores the strength of the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership and the willingness of countries to further work together to further a common values ??and vision-based partnership. "The visit reaffirms the United States' unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for our country's further democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration," the statement said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/628693-sakartvelos-17-noembers-maik-pompeo-ecveva
Posts: 6,250
Politics
11.11.2020 / 11:18??
State Department: Secretary Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express support for Georgia's territorial integrity and to urge further progress in democratic reforms
State Department: Secretary Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express support for Georgia's territorial integrity and to urge further progress in democratic reforms
The US State Department has released official information regarding Mike Pompeo's visit to Georgia. According to a press release, Mike Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express US support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to urge for further democratic reforms.
"The Secretary’s last stop in Europe will be Tbilisi, Georgia to meet with President Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Gakharia, and Foreign Minister Zalkaliani, to express our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to urge further progress in democratic reforms. He will also meet with the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Ilia II", - reads the statement.
The statement also notes that in addition to Georgia, the US Secretary of State will visit France, Turkey, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia on November 13-23.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/110245-state-department-secretary-pompeo-will-hold-meetings-in-tbilisi-to-express-support-for-georgias-territorial-integrity-and-to-urge-further-progress-in
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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Visit Georgia
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will pay a two-day visit to Georgia on November 17-18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has announced.
"Georgia welcomes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s forthcoming visit to Georgia scheduled for 17 and 18 November. Within the framework of the visit, the Secretary of State will hold meetings with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, President Salome Zourabichvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani. Mike Pompeo will also meet with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II," reads the statement.
High-level meetings within the scope of the Secretary of State’s visit will focus on the priorities under the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, as well as on prospects for further enhancing cooperation in the areas of defense and security, trade and economy, democracy, people-to-people contacts, education and cultural exchanges.
The parties will discuss the security environment in Georgia and the wider region and will highlight cooperation between the countries as a way to further strengthen regional and international security. Talking points will also include the democratic and economic reforms taking place in Georgia.
"The US Secretary of State’s visit to Georgia once again points to the firmness of US - Georgia strategic partnership and reaffirms the commitment of the two countries to enhance their cooperation aimed at further reinforcing the partnership based on shared values and vision. The visit provides yet another proof that the United States remains strongly committed to supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the country’s continuous democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration," the Foreign Ministry stated.
By Ana Dumbadze
11 November 2020 10:13
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22996/US-Secretary-of-State-Mike-Pompeo-to-Visit-Georgia
Posts: 1,521
More evidence of rigging.
"Ivane Burduli, a former CEC official, links the registration of strangers in the apartment of voters with the Ministry of Justice. According to Burduli, electoral lists are processed by the Ministry of Justice and transferred to the CEC, which becomes a subject of election manipulation. He talked about it in the program "Guest of the Day” on Mtavari Channel.
"Too many people were heartbroken at these elections: when they discovered that a few dozen people were registered in their address, not just family members, it was done in the very last minute so that the voter could no longer respond," - Ivane Burduli said.
Ivane Burduli does not name specific persons in the Ministry of Justice, but believes that the whole system is involved in the process.
According to Ivane Burduli, the lists sent to the CEC from the Ministry of Justice are then provided to the precinct election commissions. There are two types - wall and desk - lists. Wall lists at polling stations are posted one month before election day, and desk lists, according to the new election change, are submitted to the commission 12 hours in advance, which will no longer allows checking them.
The discrepancy between the desk lists and the wall lists, according to Ivane Burduli, allows for manipulation.
Let us remind you that Ivane Burduli was a senior specialist of the Department for Relations with Election Commissions at the CEC and the coordinator of 5 districts. He has resigned today, November 6, due to large-scale election fraud."
Posts: 1,521
And it is ignored...
"According to Transparency International Georgia (TI), 92.8% of district courts upheld their claims in the October 31 elections and 100% in the Court of Appeals.
According to the organization, the courts demanded the annulment of the protocols of 42 precincts in 11 districts and the recount of votes, including 13.22.65 precincts in Marneuli, where, according to them, they demanded the complete annulment of precincts due to the existence of falsification video evidence.
According to them, the courts did not satisfy the request in 39 polling stations out of 42 appealed.
According to the organization, the court instructed the district commissions to recount the ballot papers in only 3 cases:
as a result of recounting the results of Khelvachauri 30.82.39 precincts, it turned out that one more ballot paper belonged to the Georgian Dream.
At 28.79.85 polling station in Batumi, it turned out that "Girch" had received 4 votes instead of 36.
Bolnisi District Court instructed the Marneuli District Election Commission to recount 13.22.65 precincts where there was evidence of multiple voting by one person, so Transparency International Georgia demanded the unconditional annulment of precinct results, as the results of this type of fraud could not be eliminated by counting. The district court decision was appealed and ultimately dismissed."
Posts: 1,420
Pompeo should bring a tough message to Tbilisi
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo should carry a tough message when he visits Tbilisi next week. The need for action stems from Georgia's increasingly authoritarian governance.
Currently grappling with the aftermath of a contested election, Georgian security forces have been using water cannons and other weapons against protesters. But while these actions are serious and reflective of a broader disdain for human rights, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia's government is certain to play down any difficulties when Pompeo arrives. Instead, Gakharia is presenting Pompeo's visit as a signal that the United States is actually very satisfied with the current state of relations. Pompeo must educate Gakharia to a better truth. Namely, that while the U.S. seeks friendship and mutually beneficial diplomatic and economic engagement, it will not turn a blind eye to rising authoritarianism. The State Department says that Pompeo will "express our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to urge further progress in democratic reforms." Let's hope he uses more robust language behind closed doors.
The central concern here is Bidzina Ivanishvili. A billionaire oligarch who supports the governing Georgia Dream party, Ivanishvili is the real power behind Gakharia's throne. Unfortunately, Ivanishvili has shown little interest in using his wealth and influence to advance this small nation's global prospects. Instead, he has degraded Georgia's developing rule of law and played to the nation's northern aggressor, Russia. Ivanishvili has done so by undermining his nation's economic links to the U.S. and European Union. His obstruction of a new port facility, and an Internet fiberoptics cable, for example, seem singularly designed to advance his crony interests alongside Putin's strategic agenda.
That's a problem: the more control Putin has over Georgia's critical infrastructure, the further its national prospects will be degraded.
It needn't be this way. U.S. exports to Georgia stood at $768 million in 2019, with an overall U.S. trade surplus of $616 million. Much more opportunity exists for expanded trade between both nations. At the same time, U.S.-Georgian security and military links are now well developed, with both sides engaging in especially close counter-terrorism cooperation. These are foundations to build on. But unless the U.S. pressures Ivanishivili to take more seriously his obligations to his people, the foundations of a better relationship will crumble.
Pompeo should thus be clear that the U.S. has been and wishes to continue being an active Georgian friend. But he should also make clear that Washington is increasingly concerned. If America witnesses an ongoing decline in Tbilisi's respect for its people, it will ensure that those responsible face punitive financial and diplomatic consequences for their actions
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/mike-pompeo-should-bring
Posts: 1,521
Citizens demand a re-election..
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnetgazeti.ge%2F
Posts: 1,521
"Members of the public signed a "Manifesto of Reconciliation" demanding re-election.
Among the signatories are Shota Digmelashvili, one of the leaders of the "Shame" movement, Iva Chkonia, chairman of the Distributors' Association, Giorgi Kadagidze, former president of the National Bank, Khatuna Lagazidze, an analyst, Achiko Guledani, a musician, and others.
The manifesto says that the citizens will not accept the reality of the October 31 elections and will try to put pressure on the government through legal means to hold repeat elections in the country.
"On the 30th anniversary of the restoration of statehood, Georgia is facing the harshest reality:
Unemployment, economic misery and extreme poverty;
Corruption, nepotism, clanism;
Weakened state, enhanced crime;
Weakening Georgia's geopolitical role;
A judicial system subordinate to the government;
Law enforcement agencies serving party interests;
Facts of violation of fundamental human rights;
Failure with Russian propaganda and disinformation;
Against the background of these challenges, the public expected that the October 31, 2020 parliamentary elections would be an arena for the free expression of the will of the electorate. Which objectively reflected the current situation in Georgia and the redistribution of political forces. By doing so, we would have passed the vicious experience of one-party and one-party rule in the past, and a multi-party parliament would have ensured that the interests of each citizen were clearly protected.
Unfortunately, this did not happen and the ruling political team deprived the population of their fundamental, constitutional right to choose. It is clear that the Georgian Dream intends to stay in power indefinitely and will not back down.
We, the citizens of Georgia, are not going to retreat either. We will not reconcile with the twisted reality and will use all legal means provided by the Constitution to force the government to hold new, fair and free elections under public pressure. We will spare no effort to reach out to every citizen to reach out to the protest voice and share in this process.
We call on every fellow citizen to join our legal struggle and stand on the right side of history. We must all remember that we - the people - are the source of power, and it is we who must decide how we want to live in a state.
We support the efforts of the opposition political parties, call on them to maintain strong unity and to protect the will of the majority of Georgian voters by all peaceful and legal means.
We call on international organizations and Georgia's partners to take a clear, unequivocal stand in defense of Georgia's democratic development.
We call on the authorities to understand the criticality of the crisis created by them. "To understand that we can not and will not tolerate a collapsed state," the manifesto reads.
According to the authors of the document, any citizen can sign the manifesto at the following
Posts: 6,250
As of 15:00, voter turnout was 16.47%
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630271-1500-saatis-monacemebit-amomrchevelta-aktivobam-1647-sheadgina
Hopefully, the EU and Uncle Sam will now start backing the united opposition for new elections. The voter turnout shows the likely indication of the percentage the GD would have obtained without the election rigging IMHO.
Posts: 6,250
Voter turnout in the second round of the parliamentary elections was 26.29%
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630305-saparlamento-archevnebis-meore-turshi-amomrchevlis-aktivobam-2629-sheadgina
Posts: 6,250
ISFED - Tables were set at 73rd and 106th polling stations of Zugdidi district, while commission members were voting in a state of insomnia
It is unfortunate that even in such a non-competitive election, the ruling party did not refuse to register voters by the coordinators , the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) said in a statement. According to them, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) observed the second round of the 2020 parliamentary elections through 35 mobile groups in 17 majoritarian constituencies.
"In the second round of elections, which was held without real competition, the coordinators of the party mobilized near the polling stations were still a problem. This practice has been the subject of criticism for years and has been hailed as a mechanism for pressuring the will of the electorate. Elimination of this practice depends on the will of political parties not to use such a means to control voters. It is unfortunate that even in such a non-competitive election, the ruling party did not refuse to register voters by the coordinators and thus ensure turnout.
In addition, ISFED has committed serious irregularities, even in the case of a small-scale observation mission, such as multiple voting by a voter (so-called carousel) and bribery of voters. It should be noted that it is quite difficult to establish such facts on election day. Aggressive attitude towards the observer was again observed outside the polling stations.
It can be said that in the case of elections without competition, the same kind of violations and problems occurred as in the first round. This further demonstrates how problematic the 2020 parliamentary elections were and the irregularities observed in the first round were no exception and took the form of a trend. This underscores the assessment that this was a step backwards in terms of democratic elections and that we are unequivocally negative about it.
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Part 2
The following violations were identified by the observers:
The party coordinators were mobilized in # 3, # 4 and # 6 polling stations of # 18 Akhmeta constituency ; In all polling stations of # 16 Kvareli and # 17 Telavi constituencies ; In # 67 Zugdidi Election District # 14 and # 26 polling stations; # 79 Batumi Election District # 01, # 02, # 03, # 06, # 08, # 15, # 35, # 58, # 48, # 74, # 73, # 30, # 37, # 39, # 52, At # 55 and # 61 polling stations; # 4 Krtsanisi Election District # 11, # 18; # 21, # 22, # 23, 29, # 30, # 31 And # 32, at polling stations; At # 43 # 58 and # 59 polling stations of # 6 Samgori election district ; # 59 in # 09 polling station of Kutaisi election district ; In # 19 and # 20 polling stations of # 51 Zestaponi election district ; # 57 in # 4 polling station of Tkibuli election district ; In # 3, # 13 and # 14 polling stations of # 52 Baghdati election district ; # 35 Khashuri constituency At # 2, # 5, # 7, # 10, # 11, # 20 and # 44 polling stations; # 20 Rustavi Election District # 3; At # 4 # 11, # 12, # 13, # 15, # 17, # 18, # 36 and # 37 polling stations; # 1 Lagodekhi Election District # 1, # 10; At # 16, # 18, # 19, # 20, # 21, # 22, # 25, # 26, # 32, # 33 and # 35 polling stations.
According to ISFED observers, the leaders of the local self-government NGOs in Kutaisi are asking the leaders to announce the elections. Also, the manager of Shuakhevi Uchanbi Kindergarten instructed the employees to come to the polling station and take part in the elections.
In # 26 polling station of # 82 Shuakhevi election district , a representative of the Georgian Dream was registering voters who had come to the polls.
Also, in # 26 and # 27 polling stations of # 82 Shuakhevi election district ; # 84 Khulo Election District # 25 polling station and # 83 Khelvachauri Election District # 37 polling station, voters were transported by mini-buses.
Tables were set up at # 73 and # 106 polling stations of # 67 Zugdidi election district , while the members of the commission were voting in a state of insomnia.
The coordinator mobilized near the # 6 polling station of # 17 Telavi election district told the police that he had already managed to bring 240 voters and was waiting for another 40, ”the statement reads.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630321-isfed-zugdidis-olkis-73-e-da-106-e-saarchevno-ubnebtan-suprebi-iqo-gashlili-komisiis-cevrebi-ki-arapxizel-mdgomareobashi-atarebdnen-kenchisqras
Posts: 6,250
Georgian democracy takes a step backwards!
The last paragraph of Part 1 is highly critical of these elections :-
It can be said that in the case of elections without competition, the same kind of violations and problems occurred as in the first round. This further demonstrates how problematic the 2020 parliamentary elections were and the irregularities observed in the first round were no exception and took the form of a trend. This underscores the assessment that this was a step backwards in terms of democratic elections and that we are unequivocally negative about it.
Georgian democracy takes a step backwards!