Georgia's PM hails 'landslide' vote condemned as rigged by president

In a recent twist to Georgia's political saga, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has hailed the outcome of what he describes as a "landslide" vote. This characterization comes amid swirling controversies and accusations from the opposition and international observers, who have condemned the electoral process as rigged. Despite the claims of electoral malfeasance, Kobakhidze vehemently rejects these allegations, defending the integrity of the vote in an interview with the BBC. The elections in question have sparked significant debate both domestically within Georgia and across the international community. Opposition parties are up in arms, stating their intention to boycott parliament in protest against what they see as a compromised electoral process. This move by the opposition underscores the deep divisions and the charged political atmosphere that characterizes Georgia's current political landscape. The statement by the Prime Minister insisting on the legitimacy of the elections stands in stark contrast to the narrative being pushed by the opposition. The opposition's accusations of vote-rigging threaten to deepen the political crisis in Georgia, raising concerns about the stability of its democratic institutions and the fairness of its electoral processes. Georgia, a country that has strived to balance its geopolitical relations between Russia and the West, finds its democratic credentials under scrutiny. The European Union and the United States, both key partners of Georgia, have shown increasing concern over the country's democratic backsliding and the integrity of its electoral systems. These allegations of electoral rigging could potentially strain Georgia's relations with Western allies, which have been vital in the