Georgia: More opposition demonstrations due in Tbilisi November 25, 26 /update 5

Event

The United Georgia Democratic Movement opposition party has called for a march in Tbilisi on Monday, November 25, to demand early parliamentary elections under the proportional representation system. Participants are due to gather at 19:00 (local time) at Republic Square and then march down Rustaveli Avenue to parliament. A representative of the party reportedly said that protesters plan to stay outside parliament through Monday night and block access to the building on Tuesday, November 26, to disrupt the parliamentary session scheduled that day.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely near all protest sites, and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Further demonstrations are expected in 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 and other major cities 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.