### Mass Protests Erupt in Georgia Over Alleged Election Fraud

In a powerful display of discontent, tens of thousands of Georgians, many brandishing EU and national flags, congregated outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on Monday night. The rally was in response to President Salome Zourabichvili's call for action following a contentious election she claims was "totally falsified."

President Zourabichvili, taking a firm stand with the opposition, had earlier urged for public demonstration, labeling this as a "crucial moment" for Georgia's future in a BBC interview. She has fervently appealed to the international community to support the Georgian populace amidst allegations of election fraud, which saw the ruling Georgian Dream party secure nearly 54% of the vote. Both the party and the election commission maintain that the results were legitimate.

"The government's victory does not reflect the will of the Georgian people," Zourabichvili stated, emphasizing the country's eagerness to maintain its European trajectory. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream countered, claiming any electoral violations were limited to "just a couple" of polling stations.

International bodies, including the EU, NATO, and the US, have called for an exhaustive investigation into the numerous allegations of vote tampering. Thirteen EU foreign ministers expressed solidarity with the Georgian people, condemning any breaches of electoral integrity as incompatible with the standards expected of an EU candidate nation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reinforced that Georgians deserved a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, asserting that "Georgians, like all Europeans, must be the masters of their own destiny."

Despite uncertainty over the objectives of the protests, President Zourabichvili advocated for a peaceful demonstration, expressing confidence that authorities would avoid confrontation. Demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue were clear in their demands; they sought lawful, fair elections. Protesters like Lasha and Liza, both in their early 20s, voiced frustration and anger, calling for another, non-forged election.

The president highlighted several potential courses of action, including international reviews or new election calls, emphasizing the unpredictability of the timeline for such measures. The protests echo previous demonstrations earlier this year, which saw clashes with riot police over a controversial "foreign agents" law.

Georgia's government appears braced for further unrest, with the interior minister recently securing new riot control equipment, including water cannons and lethal weapons. While Prime Minister Kobakhidze defended the election's integrity, President Zourabichvili decried the extent of fraud, citing the unprecedented use of tactics such as carousel voting enabled by commandeered identity cards.

She further accused the government of employing sophisticated Russian-style propaganda, though stopping short of direct accusations against the Kremlin. The government staunchly denied any Russian involvement, despite lingering tensions from the 2008 war, which saw Russia occupy 20% of Georgian territory.

The disputed election result has drawn varying reactions internationally, with a minority of leaders, such as Hungary's Viktor Orban, congratulating Georgian Dream on their contested win.