31 Oct 2024 | 05:33 PM UTC
Georgia: Demonstrations likely nationwide through at least early November following Oct. 26 parliamentary elections /update 2
Demonstrations likely to continue across Georgia through at least early November; major protest planned Nov. 4 in Tbilisi.
Heightened security and demonstrations are likely across Georgia through at least early November following the nation's Oct. 26 parliamentary election. Leaders of three opposition parties announced a united protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi from 19:00 Nov. 4. Participants will likely gather near the Parliament building. Thousands of demonstrators attended a related protest on Oct. 28. Further demonstrations will almost certainly take place in central locations of most urban centers across Georgia and will probably draw sizeable crowds. The breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia did not participate in the parliamentary elections and are unlikely to witness unrest.
Additional regular anti-government protest locations have included:
Heroes Square, Tbilisi
Liberty Square, Tbilisi
Europe Square, Batumi
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
Central Square, Kutaisi
City Hall, Kutaisi
Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security to monitor the gatherings and impose traffic restrictions near affected areas. Localized road travel and transport disruptions are likely near protest sites. Violence is possible between law enforcement officers, demonstrators, and supporters of rival political parties. The largest gatherings will generally take place in Tbilisi.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Exercise caution around government and court buildings and political party offices. Monitor local media or check with trusted local sources for updates on possible demonstrations and associated disruptions, as events could take place with little to no warning. Immediately leave the area at the first signs of confrontation. Heed instructions from law enforcement officers.
Following the Oct. 26 vote, the country's electoral commission announced early Oct. 27 that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 54 percent of the vote with 99 percent of precincts counted. Opposition parties and President Salome Zurabishvili have denounced the validity of the result, accusing Georgian Dream of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and other election violations.
