A defiant Zurabishvili says she will fight on and is determined to win

A defiant Salome Zurabishvili says she will fight on and is determined to win in the second round of presidential elections in Georgia. Zurabishvili made a televised address after speculation throughout the day on Tuesday that she was about to withdraw her candidacy. Zurabishvili came first in Sunday's first round but failed to secure 50% of votes cast. The rumours were fuelled by the pro opposition Rustavi 2 TV station, which cited sourcers within the ruling party.

Zurabishvili dismissed the speculation: "They probably do not know me well. They do not know how stubborn I am, they do not know that I am ready to fight to the end for our people and our country," she said. "I am ready to compete because I have a faith in you ... and in your wisdom, I believe you know what you want for Georgia, I believe you know that today we are not making a choice between two candidates, or two parties - today we are making a choice on what kind of Georgia we want to have in the future".

In presidential elections held on Sunday, Salome Zurabishvili, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party secured 38.64% of the voters, whilst Grigol Vashadze, supported by the opposition United National Movement (UNM) came a close second with 37.74%. A run-off is expected not later than 2 December.

Meanwhile the international community has given a largely positive evaluation of the election process so far, although a number of problems and shortcomings were highlighted by international observation missions.

Earlier this week the European Union gave its assessment of the elections. A statement issued by the spokesperson of the European External Action Service said that,

According to the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, the elections were "competitive and professionally administered", giving Georgian voters a genuine voice. Some shortcomings were noted throughout the campaign and on the election day, notably instances of misuse of administrative resources, sharp polarisation of the private media, negative campaigning and harsh rhetoric. These shortcomings should be addressed based on the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

Ensuring high democratic standards throughout the entire electoral process, including the second round, remains key. It is important that all parties continue to adhere to democratic principles and to respect the will of the Georgian people.

The European Union stands by a democratic, stable and prosperous Georgia, including with a vibrant civil society. We look forward to strengthening further cooperation with Georgia to advance political association and economic integration and to deliver on the joint commitments under the Association Agreement.

source: commonspace.eu

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
European Council calls for an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts

European Council calls for an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts

The European Council approved on Tuesday (7 May) conclusions on the 2023 annual report on the implementation of the European Union’s External Action Instruments in 2022. It commends the steps taken by the EU in the current challenging geopolitical context, marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. The Council welcomes the report’s emphasis on the key support provided by the EU to Ukraine and neighbouring countries affected by Russia’s war of aggression, as well as efforts to address the regional and global consequences and its impact on the most vulnerable groups, in particular with regard to food and energy security. In this context, the Council encourages the Commission to continue highlighting the EU’s support to tackle global challenges. It underlines the necessity to continue working towards an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts, including through the EU’s external action instruments. Preventing conflict through timely analysis and early action, supporting peace mediation and dialogue, building peace and resilience, and forging international and regional partnerships in the area of peace, security and defence are key aspects in this regard.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
European Council calls for an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts

European Council calls for an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts

The European Council approved on Tuesday (7 May) conclusions on the 2023 annual report on the implementation of the European Union’s External Action Instruments in 2022. It commends the steps taken by the EU in the current challenging geopolitical context, marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. The Council welcomes the report’s emphasis on the key support provided by the EU to Ukraine and neighbouring countries affected by Russia’s war of aggression, as well as efforts to address the regional and global consequences and its impact on the most vulnerable groups, in particular with regard to food and energy security. In this context, the Council encourages the Commission to continue highlighting the EU’s support to tackle global challenges. It underlines the necessity to continue working towards an integrated and coherent EU response to external crises and conflicts, including through the EU’s external action instruments. Preventing conflict through timely analysis and early action, supporting peace mediation and dialogue, building peace and resilience, and forging international and regional partnerships in the area of peace, security and defence are key aspects in this regard.