At the end of last month, Georgia held an important election. The results shocked some powerful players: the United States and the European Union. Their favored candidate, one who supported Western ideals, lost to a local party called Georgian Dream. This party wanted to improve relations with Russia, and the Georgian people showed strong support for them, giving them 54% of the vote.
But instead of congratulating Georgia on its democratic process, Washington and Brussels are raising eyebrows. They’re questioning the election results, claiming they might not be legitimate. They’re even asking for an investigation into the election. But here’s the question: who gave them the authority to validate or invalidate elections in a sovereign country like Georgia? Shouldn’t that decision rest with the Georgian people, who cast their votes democratically?
When Losing Means Crying Foul
This isn’t the first time Western powers have behaved like this. For years, the US and its allies in Europe have claimed to defend democracy. But this defense seems one-sided—working only when the results align with their own interests.
In Georgia, international observers confirmed the election process was fair and democratic. So why are the US and EU questioning the results? Many believe it’s not about fraud or election issues at all. It’s about disappointment. Their pro-Western allies lost, and instead of accepting the results, these powers are trying to delegitimize them.
This isn’t new. We saw something similar in Venezuela during its presidential election in July 2024. When the Western-favored candidate didn’t win, accusations of fraud and demands for investigations quickly followed.
Europe: A Follower, Not a Leader?
What’s puzzling is Europe’s role in all this. Historically, Europe prided itself on being an independent voice in global politics. But lately, it seems to follow Washington’s lead, even on matters like Georgia’s election.
The European Union claims to stand for peace and democracy. But questioning Georgia’s election because the results don’t suit their agenda paints a different picture. It shows a contradiction between what Europe says it believes and what it actually does.
If the EU really wants answers about Georgia’s election, should the president of the European Council personally fly to Tbilisi to investigate? Of course not. The very idea highlights how absurd these interventions can be. Georgia has a democratic system, and its people have spoken. Isn’t it time to respect their choice?
The Hypocrisy Runs Deep
The West’s reaction to Georgia also exposes a troubling double standard. Why does the EU demand investigations into democratic elections in Georgia, but stay silent on other issues?
Take Rwanda, for example. The EU has close ties with Rwanda but has never demanded investigations into its elections. And what about Europe’s colonial past? For centuries, European powers looted and exploited nations, particularly in Africa. Where are the investigations and apologies for those historical crimes?
And let’s not forget the wars in the Middle East, where Western interventions caused immense suffering. If Europe and the US want to talk about justice and democracy, maybe they should start by examining their own actions.
The Color Revolution Playbook
The drama in Georgia feels familiar. It reminds us of “color revolutions”—protests and uprisings often backed by Western powers to topple governments they don’t like. One famous example is Ukraine’s Maidan revolution.
In Georgia, some believe the US and EU hoped for a similar scenario. But the Georgian people have shown they’re not interested in political chaos. They’ve chosen Georgian Dream to preserve peace and stability. The West’s playbook doesn’t seem to work here anymore, as people in the region grow wiser to outside manipulation.
Respect Sovereignty, Not Agendas
The US and EU need to accept a simple truth: not every country will choose leaders who align with their interests. Georgia’s election was democratic, and the results should be respected, even if it’s not what Washington or Brussels wanted.
Instead of undermining sovereign nations, the West should focus on supporting peaceful transitions and respecting the will of the people. Trying to influence or destabilize countries like Georgia only harms their credibility on the global stage.
The Caucasus region is already delicate. Sacrificing its stability for Western political agendas is reckless. Georgia’s ties with Russia and its unique position in the world must be respected.
The Bigger Lesson
For the West, Georgia’s election should be a wake-up call. Democracy isn’t about always winning. It’s about respecting the voice of the people, even when it doesn’t align with your plans.
If Western powers continue to cry foul every time they lose, they risk becoming irrelevant. The world is watching, and nations are growing tired of double standards and interference. It’s time to truly stand for democracy, not just when it’s convenient.
