Thousands protest in Tbilisi over alleged election fraud and demand new vote

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, protesting the ruling party's victory in the October 26 parliamentary election. They allege that Russia helped rig the vote and demand a new election under international supervision. Protesters called for an investigation into the alleged fraud and vowed to boycott parliament sessions until their demands are met. The ruling Georgian Dream party claims to have won about 54% of the vote, rejecting the opposition's accusations. European observers noted a divisive election atmosphere, with reports of bribery and violence. President Salome Zourabichvili has also rejected the results, linking them to Russian pressure against Georgia's EU aspirations.