International observers, including myself, noted that the electoral process in Georgia adhered to democratic standards, despite unfounded accusations
By Egountchi Behanzin, founding president of the international African Black Defense League, spokesperson for the Pan-African Brothers, political analyst, and pan-African activist
FILE PHOTO: Parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia on October 26, 2024. © Mirian Meladze / Anadolu via Getty Images
We have witnessed a strong reaction from the United States and the European Union following the elections in Georgia held late last month. Their pro-Western candidate suffered a defeat, and these Western powers – particularly Washington and the European Council – have expressed doubts about the election’s legitimacy, even calling for an investigation into its conduct. It is legitimate to ask whether the right to validate the election results in this sovereign country lies in the hands of Washington or Brussels, while the Georgian people have expressed themselves democratically.
American and European interference: A recurring issue
This situation once again raises the crucial issue of foreign powers intervening in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. For several years, the United States, often followed by its European allies, has taken the liberty of intervening in the electoral processes of various countries under the pretext of ensuring “democracy.” However, this posture of self-proclaimed guardians of democracy becomes inconsistent if it only applies to elections that serve their interests.
In Georgia, the people voted and chose to place their trust in Georgian Dream, a local party which seeks to build pragmatic relations with Russia and managed to gather broad popular support. The Georgian Dream party secured 54% of the votes. International observers present noted that the electoral process adhered to democratic standards, despite unfounded accusations made by some external actors. So why, in this context, do Washington and Brussels suddenly feel the need to question the results?
It seems that this is less about fraud or malfunctions and more about disappointment over the defeat of their pro-Western Georgian political allies. In short, for some Western powers, when they do not win an election, they adopt a strategy aimed at delegitimizing the results through unfounded doubts and calls for investigations. This eerily recalls similar situations, such as the one experienced during the presidential election in July 2024 in Venezuela.
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Europe, a relay of American interests?
US interference in the internal affairs of other countries is well-documented, but it is paradoxical to see Europe blindly following this path. In recent decades, Europe, once proud of its independent stance on the global stage, seems, with its puppet leaders in Brussels, to have gradually aligned itself with American policies, to the point where it is now perceived as merely a relay for Washington’s interests. This trend is visible in its foreign policy, particularly during major crises, where Brussels seems increasingly dependent on the American line.
In the Georgian case, the European reaction is particularly troubling. Why is the European Union, which claims to promote peace and international stability, suddenly seeking to question a democratic election simply because the results do not align with its political expectations? This attitude reflects a deep contradiction between the so-called “democratic values” that Europe claims to defend and the actual practices on the ground.
If the Georgian situation is such a problem for Brussels, perhaps the president of the European Council should personally travel to Georgia to conduct this much-demanded investigation. More seriously, is it truly the mandate of the European Union to question the sovereignty and the will expressed by the Georgian people? What about respecting the democratic processes it claims to uphold?
Hypocrisy of the West
Another important point to raise is the blatant hypocrisy displayed by some Western powers when it comes to calling for international investigations or intervening in matters of democracy and justice. Why has the European Council, so quick to demand an investigation into democratic elections in Georgia, never called for investigations into elections in Rwanda, with which they have bilateral agreements, or into the historical crimes committed by some of its own member powers, notably France, both in Africa and other parts of the world?
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For centuries, European regimes looted, exploited, and oppressed many nations, particularly African countries. And yet, no particular commission has been formed to examine these acts, no report has been published to call for the recognition of these crimes. Similarly, what can be said about the direct or indirect participation of the United States and certain European nations in recent conflicts in the Middle East, where millions of people have suffered and continue to suffer due to their military interventions?
If Europe truly wants to restore some credibility on the global stage, it should start by examining its own historical and contemporary actions. And cease the policy of double standards. Demanding investigations into elections in sovereign countries while ignoring its own responsibilities in past conflicts, supporting electoral fraud where their interests are preserved, seems not only hypocritical but also counterproductive.
Color revolutions: An outdated tool
The tensions surrounding the recent elections in Georgia also echo the events surrounding color revolutions such as the one that took place in Ukraine during Maidan. Against a backdrop of political disagreements and geopolitical power struggles between Russia and the West, color revolutions have often been used by the United States and Europe as mechanisms to overthrow governments deemed too close to Moscow or too distant from Western interests.
Unfortunately for the orchestrators of such maneuvers, the Georgian scenario seems to be heading in a different direction. The Georgian people have clearly expressed their choice in favor of Georgian Dream, to preserve peace in their country, and there seems to be little appetite for a politically driven upheaval supported from outside.
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This is something that disturbs the political elite in Washington and Brussels. Moreover, Western attempts to replicate the model of color revolutions in this region have less and less chance of success, as local populations become more aware of these external manipulations.
Respecting sovereignty
It is time for the United States and Europe to learn from this Georgian election and accept the reality of the democratic process. If pro-Western Georgian parties failed to convince the electorate, that is not a sufficient reason to try to delegitimize the elections or incite disorder.
Instead of seeking to influence and destabilize sovereign nations, it would be much more constructive for Washington and Brussels to respect the popular will and support peaceful transitions based on the choices of citizens rather than geopolitical agendas. The stability of the Caucasus region should not be sacrificed on the altar of Western strategic interests, and the historical ties between Georgia and the Russian Federation must be respected.
Ultimately, there is no need for the West to continue “tilting at windmills” when faced with democratic defeats. Respect for sovereignty and the voice of the people must prevail, beyond political agendas and imperialist ambitions.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.
