Coin Press - Georgia: Ruling party celebrates election victory

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Georgia: Ruling party celebrates election victory

Did the Russian terrorist state have its dirty fingers in the pie and did war criminal Vladimir Putin (72) manage to undermine democracy in Georgia with the help of money and corruption?

The ruling Georgian Dream party has become increasingly authoritarian and has passed laws similar to those used by Russia to clamp down on free speech. After one such law was passed earlier this year, Brussels suspended Georgia's EU accession process.

If the victory of ‘Georgian Dream’ is confirmed, it will be a blow to those Georgians who are hoping for closer integration with Europe and see the election as a choice between the West and Russia.

According to the first official results, with 70% of polling stations counted, which represents the majority of votes cast, the ruling party received 53% of the vote, according to the election commission. The results do not include most of the votes cast by Georgians living abroad.

‘The Georgian people have voted for this country's European future and therefore we will not accept these falsified results published by the Central Election Commission,’ said Tina Bokuchava, leader of the opposition United National Movement.

‘We Vote’, a Georgian coalition of election observers, said the results “do not reflect the will of the Georgian people”, pointing to multiple reports of voter intimidation and vote-buying.

‘We will continue to demand the cancellation of the results,’ it said. Post-election polls showed widely divergent projections for the election: Imedi TV, a TV station supporting “Georgian Dream”, showed the ruling party winning with 56 %. Polls from opposition broadcasters after the election showed the opposition parties making big gains.

Ivanishvili, the reclusive billionaire founder of Georgian Dream and former prime minister, claimed victory and praised the Georgian people. ‘It is a rare case in the world for the same party to achieve such success in such a difficult situation – this is a good indicator of the talent of the Georgian people,’ Ivanishvili told cheering supporters.

The question is, should these election results stand, in which direction will Georgia drift, towards Europe or towards the terrorist state of Russia and its authoritarian dictator and mass murderer Vladimir Putin?

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South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol shocks Nation

South Korea in Crisis: President Yoon Suk Yeol's Coup Shakes the NationIn a stunning and unprecedented move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has attempted to seize absolute power, plunging the nation into political chaos. On the night of December 3, President Yoon declared martial law, suspended the National Assembly, and deployed soldiers to surround its premises, effectively paralysing the country’s democratic institutions. The world is watching in shock as one of Asia’s most stable democracies faces an uncertain future.The Coup: A Nation in ShockThe events unfolded rapidly on a cold December night, leaving South Koreans and the international community reeling. President Yoon cited national security threats and alleged internal dissent as justification for his actions, but critics are calling it a blatant power grab. By suspending the National Assembly—South Korea’s legislative body—Yoon has undermined the very foundation of the nation’s democratic system.Eyewitnesses reported heavy military presence in the capital, Seoul, as soldiers and armoured vehicles took positions near government buildings. Communication networks were temporarily disrupted, adding to the confusion. The swift and calculated nature of the coup suggests months of planning, raising questions about who within the government and military may have supported the move.Immediate Reactions: Outrage and ResistanceThe coup has sparked widespread outrage among South Koreans. Protesters took to the streets in major cities, waving banners and chanting slogans calling for Yoon’s resignation. Opposition leaders condemned the move as a betrayal of the democratic values South Korea has upheld since its transition from military rule in the 1980s.International leaders, including the US-President Joe Biden who is still in office until 20 January 2025 and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have expressed grave concern. The United Nations has called for an emergency session to address the situation, while human rights organisations warn of potential crackdowns on dissent.What Led to This Crisis?President Yoon’s tenure has been marked by polarising leadership and a growing divide between conservatives and progressives. Critics argue that his administration’s inability to address pressing economic challenges, such as rising housing costs and youth unemployment, eroded public trust. Yoon’s approval ratings had plummeted in recent months, and his administration faced mounting scrutiny over alleged corruption scandals.While Yoon’s justification for the coup includes vague references to national security threats, experts believe the move was motivated by a desire to cling to power amidst growing opposition. Some speculate that internal disagreements within his party and the prospect of impeachment may have pushed Yoon to take drastic action.The Role of the MilitaryThe military’s involvement in the coup is particularly troubling for a country with a history of authoritarian rule. South Korea transitioned to a democracy in 1987 after decades of military dictatorship, and the armed forces have since remained apolitical. Yoon’s ability to mobilise the military raises questions about divisions within the armed forces and whether dissenting voices exist among its ranks.Should significant portions of the military oppose Yoon’s actions, the possibility of a counter-coup or internal conflict could further destabilise the nation.Implications for South Korea’s FutureThe attempted coup casts a shadow over South Korea’s hard-earned reputation as a thriving democracy. Its political stability and economic strength have made it a key player in the global arena, but this crisis threatens to derail decades of progress.Domestically, the suspension of democratic institutions could lead to widespread unrest, civil disobedience, and a protracted power struggle. Economically, investor confidence is likely to plummet, jeopardising South Korea’s status as a global technology and trade hub.On the international stage, the coup could strain alliances, particularly with the United States, which has long regarded South Korea as a crucial ally in countering North Korea and maintaining regional stability. China and North Korea, meanwhile, may view the situation as an opportunity to exploit South Korea’s weakened state.The Road Ahead: Democracy or Dictatorship?The fate of South Korea now hinges on the response of its citizens, political leaders, and international allies. Opposition parties have called for immediate action to restore democracy, including mass protests and legal challenges. Meanwhile, world leaders face the delicate task of pressuring Yoon’s government while avoiding escalation.The unfolding crisis serves as a stark reminder that even the most established democracies are not immune to authoritarian tendencies. For South Korea, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but its people have shown resilience before. Whether the nation emerges from this crisis as a stronger democracy or succumbs to authoritarian rule will shape its future—and its place in the world—for generations to come.

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