18 Nov 2019 | 01:27 PM UTC
Georgia: Additional protests possible in Tbilisi in the coming days /update 1
Further opposition protests possible in Tbilisi in the coming days; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
On Sunday, November 17, thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi after the ruling party rejected electoral system reform. Opposition groups have called for additional protests in Tbilisi as their demands have not yet been met. They include the resignation of the current government, the instalment of a provisional government, the establishment of a proportional voting system, and the release of political prisoners.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected in the capital over the coming days.
Context
Several thousand people participated in opposition protests in Tbilisi on November 13 and 14, to demand fair parliamentary elections in 2020. Lawmakers failed to pass a constitutional amendment that would have instituted a proportional voting system for the 2020 elections. Activists have called for protests to continue indefinitely and opposition lawmakers will reportedly demand that parliamentary elections be moved up and held under the proportional voting system.
Advice
Individuals in Tbilisi are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
