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For the first time in Georgia’s history, the presidential election was conducted through an electoral college rather than direct popular vote. The sole candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer nominated by the ruling party, was declared president.
According to Echo of the Caucasus, Kavelashvili secured victory with 224 votes in favor, while one ballot was spoiled. The electoral college, dominated by the ruling party, ensured his win.
The 53-year-old Kavelashvili, previously a leader of the People’s Power party—formally split from Georgian Dream—is known for his anti-Western stance. The ruling party plans to hold the inauguration on December 29.
President Salome Zurabishvili and opposition parties have declared the process illegitimate. A protest rally gathered outside the Georgian parliament early on December 14. Zurabishvili has refused to relinquish her presidential powers, leaving Western countries and Ukraine to decide whether to recognize Georgia’s new leadership as legitimate.
“There is nothing. No one elected anyone. Nothing happened,” stated President Salome Zurabishvili, refusing to recognize the results of the election or former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili’s win.
Zurabishvili also expressed gratitude to the protesters who are rejecting the legitimacy of the presidential election.
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