Georgian Footballer Elected as Country’s Sixth President
TBILISI, Georgia – Former Georgian national footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the country’s sixth president, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).
The Election Process
The Central Election Commission, formed by members of the 300-member parliamentary Election Council, voted on the new president. Kavelashvili, nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, received 224 of 300 votes to become president.
Opposition Refuses to Participate
Sixty-one opposition members refused to participate in the vote due to their rejection of the results of the Oct 26 parliamentary elections. A minimum of 151 votes was required for the election to proceed.
Kavelashvili’s Background
Kavelashvili, 53, is a co-founder of the People’s Power party, which was founded in 2022 after he, along with two other lawmakers, left Georgian Dream. The People’s Power party currently holds six seats in the 150-seat parliament.
Reactions from Opposition
The four major opposition groups have rejected Kavelashvili’s presidency and boycotted parliament, claiming the October elections were rigged. Protesters gathered outside parliament in large numbers since morning, braving freezing temperatures ahead of the vote.
Kavelashvili’s Football Career
The former footballer won more than 40 caps for the national team between 1991 and 2002, playing as a striker for clubs such as Dinamo Tbilisi, Manchester City and Basel.
Conclusion
Mikheil Kavelashvili’s election as Georgia’s sixth president marks a significant milestone in the country’s political history. While the opposition has rejected the results, Kavelashvili’s presidency is set to bring a new era of leadership to Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Mikheil Kavelashvili?
A: Mikheil Kavelashvili is a former Georgian national footballer and co-founder of the People’s Power party.
Q: Who nominated Kavelashvili for the presidency?
A: Kavelashvili was nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Q: How many votes did Kavelashvili receive?
A: Kavelashvili received 224 of 300 votes to become president.
Q: Why did the opposition refuse to participate in the vote?
A: The opposition refused to participate in the vote due to their rejection of the results of the Oct 26 parliamentary elections.
Q: What is the significance of Kavelashvili’s presidency?
A: Kavelashvili’s presidency marks a significant milestone in Georgia’s political history and is set to bring a new era of leadership to the country.