### Georgia Election Fraud Allegations Spark Protests and International Calls for Inquiry

Recent election results in Georgia have triggered controversy, as pollsters HarrisX and Edison Research stated that the outcomes cannot be explained by their exit polls. These findings support the claims made by opposition parties and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who have accused the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party of rigging and stealing the vote.

HarrisX and Edison Research reported significant discrepancies between their exit polls and the official results, which declared GD the winner with a 54% majority. Edison Research highlighted a 13-point difference from its own estimate, suggesting local-level vote manipulation. HarrisX noted an 8% discrepancy, indicating potential voting irregularities.

Despite GD's insistence that the election was free and fair, the ruling party acknowledged irregularities at a few polling stations. In the town of Marneuli, where violations were admitted, two individuals, including the deputy council leader, were arrested on suspicion of ballot-stuffing. According to HarrisX, GD won 80% of the vote in Marneuli, while their exit poll recorded only 40%.

The election commission, which certified the results, has faced accusations of bias and manipulation. In response, the commission dismissed claims of "carousel voting" within the country's new electronic voting system and rejected President Zourabichvili’s allegations of systemic fraud.

Notably, both domestic and international observers have reported various irregularities, such as vote-buying, ballot-stuffing, and the confiscation of voter IDs. The EU, US, and NATO have called for a transparent investigation into these alleged irregularities.

President Zourabichvili has been vocal about her stance, describing the election as stolen as part of a "Russian special operation." She has urged Georgians to participate in further protests, following a massive demonstration outside parliament earlier this week. Meanwhile, public prosecutors have summoned her to substantiate her claims of election fraud, a task she insists is their responsibility.

As the situation intensifies, the US president has called on the Georgian government to address the widespread concerns over the election's integrity. The upcoming week is expected to see continued protests and heightened international scrutiny.