Georgia’s ruling pro-Russia party retains power in blow to EU aspirations

OSCE observers say election bore evidence of democratic backsliding' with reports of intimidation and coercion

Georgia's ruling party has retained power in a contested parliamentary election, in a blow to the country's long-held aspiration for EU membership and amid accusations of intimidation and coercion of voters.

Georgia's pro-western opposition refused to concede defeat, accusing the ruling party of a constitutional coup" and promising to announce protests, setting the stage for a potential political crisis that could further polarise the Caucasus country.