Georgian ruling party defies protests, boycott to re-open parliament after disputed election

Law enforcement officers cordon off a road during a rally of supporters of Georgia's opposition parties, who protest against the results of a parliamentary election, which the opposition say were rigged, before the new parliament's first session in Tbilisi, Georgia November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze

TBILISI (Reuters) - Lawmakers from Georgia's ruling party opened the first session of parliament on Monday after last month's disputed election, defying protesters outside and a boycott by opposition parties who say the vote was illegitimate.

Official results for the Oct. 26 election showed the ruling Georgian Dream party re-elected with almost 54% of the vote, a result that opposition parties have said was fraudulent.