### Georgia's Election Sparks Tensions Amid Competing Claims of Victory

In a pivotal election focusing on Georgia's future alignment with Europe, the ruling Georgian Dream party and the opposition are both claiming success, according to diverging exit polls. While Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been in power for 12 years, opposition groups are eager to see a change. The actual outcome remains uncertain as projected results are expected to provide more clarity soon.

Voter turnout was high in this South Caucasus nation bordering Russia, but the election was marred by numerous reports of vote violations and clashes. Instances of violence were notable, with two people hospitalized and the headquarters of the largest opposition party attacked by ruling party supporters. In a town south of the capital, Tbilisi, an opposition official reported being beaten by a local Georgian Dream councillor and several unidentified men.

The opposition describes this election as a critical decision between closer ties with Europe or a drift towards Russia. If exit polls by pro-opposition media are accurate, they could potentially unseat Georgian Dream, which has held power for three terms. One opposition supporter, Levan Benidze, emphasized the urgency and significance of the vote, despite the geopolitical risks posed by Russia.

Conflicting exit polls reflect the uncertainty of the election outcome. Pro-opposition channels reported Georgian Dream with 40.9% of the vote, whereas a government-supporting channel, Imedi TV, gave them 56%. Under Georgia's current voting system, securing half of the vote would result in winning half of the 150 parliamentary seats.

Despite Georgia’s candidacy for EU membership being granted last December, the EU has halted its accession process due to concerns over democratic backsliding and a controversial "foreign influence" law. Georgian Dream's campaign has touted a pragmatic approach towards Russia, resonating with some voters who fear further conflict.

Election observers noted various violations, including ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili urged opposition supporters not to succumb to intimidation as the polls were closing.

Specific incidents of violence and allegations of vote tampering have caused widespread concern. Azat Karimov, a local chair of the opposition United National Movement in Marneuli, recounted an attack when his team confronted alleged falsification by Georgian Dream officials. He also claimed voters were bribed to support the ruling party.

On the eve of the election, a local monitoring group pointed out a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the vote. Moscow has denied any interference, instead accusing the West of attempting to manipulate the election results.

As Georgia stands at a crossroads, the election’s outcome will determine whether the country moves closer to European integration or shifts back towards Russian influence. The coming hours will be crucial in understanding the future political landscape of this strategically significant country.