Ruling party's Kavelashvili triumphs in Georgia presidential election: Video
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer star, has been elected as the president of Georgia.
This victory marks a consolidation of power for the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has faced criticism and protests from opposition groups.
Kavelashvili, 53, secured his position through a vote by a 300-seat electoral college, a system established by a 2017 constitutional reform that replaced direct presidential elections.
The election has sparked controversy and unrest, with many Georgians viewing it as a setback to the country's aspirations for European Union membership. The opposition has accused the Georgian Dream party of rigging the vote with the help of Moscow, further straining the nation's political landscape.
Kavelashvili's presidency is seen by critics as a victory for Russia, given his anti-Western stance and the ruling party's recent decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028. This move has provoked widespread anger, as EU membership remains a popular goal among the Georgian populace.
