Georgia's President Defies Calls to Step Down After Disputed Election

Georgia's Incumbent President Refuses to Step Down After Disputed Election TBILISI, Georgia - Nearly a year after a disputed parliamentary election, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has refused to step down, sparking concerns about the country's democratic future. Zourabichvili, who was elected in 2018 as a pro-Western leader, has been at odds with the ruling party, which won a majority of seats in last year's election. The opposition claims that the vote was marred by irregularities and intimidation, while the government maintains that it was free and fair. "We are facing a serious crisis of democracy," Zourabichvili said in a statement earlier this week. "The country is now a weak democracy, and we must take immediate action to restore its strength." The dispute has led to widespread protests and a three-hour nationwide strike by hundreds of companies, which suspended their work on January 15. Background Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union over 30 years ago and has since sought to align itself with Western countries. However, last year's election saw a pro-Russian party win a majority of seats in parliament, raising concerns about the country's future direction. The opposition claims that the ruling party used its control of state media and resources to influence the outcome of the vote. Zourabichvili has also accused the government of attempting to silence her and other opposition leaders. Additional Perspectives While some Georgians support Zourabichvili's decision to refuse to step down, others see it as a challenge to the country's democratic institutions. "The president is trying to cling to power," said Giorgi Kandelaki, a member of the ruling party. "It's time for her to respect the will of the people and step aside." Current Status Zourabichvili has announced that she will not resign until the country's electoral commission investigates allegations of irregularities in last year's election. The opposition has vowed to continue protesting until Zourabichvili steps down. Next Developments The situation remains uncertain, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down. The European Union and other international organizations have called for calm and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. *Reporting by Npr.*