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International Observers Report Voting Irregularities and Intimidation in Georgia’s Elections
A Western delegation of election observers coordinated by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has raised concerns over the fairness of last night’s parliamentary elections in Georgia, citing instances of voter intimidation, vote-buying, and procedural inconsistencies. While election day voting was “generally well-organised,” the delegation emphasized that the broader election process was marred by significant irregularities.
In a statement, Iulian Bulai, head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) delegation, highlighted specific issues observed during the electoral process. “During our observation, we noted cases of vote-buying and double-voting before and during elections, especially in rural areas,” Bulai said. He added that the presence of surveillance cameras within polling stations created an atmosphere of pressure, deterring some voters from casting ballots freely. Bulai further disclosed that an observer’s car had been vandalized, which he described as indicative of an “intimidating environment” for election monitors.
The ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory after the polls closed, asserting a majority based on data from the national electoral commission. However, opposition parties have strongly contested the results, accusing the Georgian Dream of “rigging” the election.
Observers pointed to a highly polarized pre-election environment, with the OSCE delegation reporting an uneven playing field that benefited the ruling party. Antonio Lopez-Isturiz White, an observer from the European Parliament, described the campaign atmosphere as “tense and highly polarised,” with evidence suggesting efforts to influence and manipulate the vote. “Although, outwardly, the campaign was quite subdued, there were signs that efforts were underway to undermine and manipulate the vote,” he noted.
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) documented compromised voter privacy in 24% of the cases it monitored, further raising concerns over electoral integrity. This lack of voter secrecy, coupled with issues of vote manipulation, has fueled skepticism around the legitimacy of the results.
According to the observers, financial and media imbalances between parties also influenced the election outcome. They reported that Georgian Dream, the incumbent party, benefitted from significantly greater financial resources during the campaign. In addition, local media demonstrated clear political biases, with Georgian Dream receiving a disproportionately high amount of on-screen coverage, potentially skewing public opinion.
The OSCE and other international observers are expected to continue their assessment in the coming days, while Georgian opposition leaders have called for an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities. The OSCE report noted that the allegations of “vote-buying, double-voting, and intimidation tactics” raised questions about the democratic standards of Georgia’s electoral system.
As Georgia moves forward, this election may lead to increased scrutiny from the international community regarding electoral practices in the country, with calls for reforms to strengthen transparency and voter confidence. Observers underscored that addressing these issues would be critical for Georgia’s democratic future and its international reputation.
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Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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