Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United States of attempting to interfere in Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26.
The SVR claims the U.S. is conspiring with European election observers to discredit the elections and fuel pro-Western protests aimed at toppling the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
In a statement released Wednesday, the SVR alleged that the U.S. State Department is working with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) democratic institutions division, ODIHR, to declare Georgia’s elections unfree and unfair. This, according to the SVR, would serve as a trigger for mass demonstrations led by Georgia’s pro-Western opposition.
“The U.S. aims to give an excuse for Georgia’s opposition to launch protests and seize power by force,” the SVR’s statement said, adding that the ODIHR has become a tool for U.S. interference.
ODIHR, headquartered in Poland, announced it will begin its election observation mission in Georgia with a press conference.
Georgian Dream, the ruling party, has faced increasing criticism for what many view as a shift toward closer ties with Moscow. The party passed a controversial "foreign influence" law in May, likened by critics to similar legislation in Russia. However, Georgian Dream maintains that its commitment to joining the European Union, which is part of the country's constitution, remains firm.
Georgia’s opposition has promised to repeal the foreign influence law if they secure enough seats in the upcoming elections.
This isn’t the first time Russia’s SVR has made such allegations.
In July, the agency accused the U.S. of plotting a “regime change” in Georgia following the October elections, though no evidence was provided. At the time, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller dismissed the claims as "completely false."
