Opposition quits Georgian parliament

Twelve Georgian opposition politicians have resigned from parliament in protest at the recent elections. During a briefing outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, the outgoing deputies said there was no place for them in the ‘one-party’ assembly.

“The parliament doesn’t reflect the real situation in society and what Georgian people really want. We have nothing to do in this one-party Parliament. We will leave them alone and let them decide. They have two options – to either give in to the Georgian people or go straight into the political pit,” said opposition leader Georgy Khaidrava.

The opposition claims the results of the ballot were rigged to give the ruling United National Movement Party a massive majority with 119 of the 150 seats.

Five other opposition deputies will continue their work.