Election results in Georgia point to possible manipulation, say two US sociologists

Two US sociologists commissioned by the Georgian opposition are questioning the official results of the October 26 parliamentary elections, which were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Opposition parties are organizing another protest next week to challenge the results.

Edison Research, hired by pro-opposition Formula TV, highlighted significant differences between its exit poll and the official tally, suggesting “manipulation” of the vote. Another American sociologist, HarrisX, who conducted an exit poll for pro-opposition Mtavari Archi, called the official results “statistically impossible.” This is reported by Reuters.

This election is critical for GeorgiaRussia’s future direction as voters choose between a pro-Western opposition that favors European integration and Party “Georgian dream”.which leans towards Moscow and faces accusations of authoritarianism.

Election monitoring groups such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have reported cases of ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation and bribery, although they have not declared the election stolen. Russia denies any interference.

Both Edison and HarrisX predicted parliamentary majorities for Georgia’s four main opposition parties. However, a separate exit poll conducted by the Georgian pollster GORBI, commissioned by the pro-government TV channel Imedi, predicted that Georgian Dream would win with 56% of the vote.

Thousands protested in Tbilisi after the election with further demonstrations planned, while Georgia’s pro-Western president denounced the election as rigged.

An Edison exit poll showed Georgian Dream with only 41% of the vote, 13 points below the official tally of 54%.

“The 13-point difference between Edison’s estimate and the official result … cannot be explained by normal variation alone and is indicative of vote manipulation at the local level,” said Edison executive vice president Rob Farbman. the statement says.

Edison’s review found that the deviation from statistically expected results was widespread, but most pronounced in specific polling stations in rural areas. In cities, the Georgian Dream was lower, while in rural areas it reportedly achieved 90% profitability.

The State Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia is under pressure from the West announced an investigation on charges of election fraud.

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