“The Constitutional Court has judged itself and all the country’s institutions,” Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili stated during a briefing.

Zourabichvili expressed her disappointment, noting that she had hoped at least three members of the Constitutional Court would remain true to their conscience and the country, but she was mistaken.

“The opportunity to return to constitutional governance through a decision from the Constitutional Court—restoring the situation that existed before the elections, which is the starting point of all these illegitimate, interconnected events—has now vanished. We are left with no legitimate institutions in the country: not the parliament, not the government elected by this parliament, and not the Constitutional Court, which has lost its essence. A number of institutions have become entirely dependent on the one-party system currently entrenched in the country.

The question remains: why did we file a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court when we were well aware of the state of the entire judicial system? This was my decision, and I am responsible for it. The hope that the Constitutional Court would rule in the best interest of the country was minimal, yet I have always held faith in people. This is especially true in our country, where individuals have shown remarkable inner strength to stand against pressing events.

At some level, I hoped that when people realized their role in restoring peace, constitutional order, and a functioning political process, they would seize this singular historical opportunity. I believed that at least three members of the court would act by their conscience and for the good of the country. I was mistaken. Today, we find ourselves in a perilous situation where constitutional authority has been stripped away, with a metaphorical knife plunged into the Constitution, which has been thoroughly torn apart.

What remains of the government? The only constitutional, legitimate institution in this country is myself, carrying a tremendous responsibility. On the other side stands one individual who has completely usurped power and established a violent regime—Bidzina Ivanishvili. We must seek a peaceful resolution for our country. It is his responsibility to restore his regime to a state of non-violence and listen to the people. It is my responsibility to guide this country toward new elections that will legitimately elect its future government,” Zourabichvili stated.

The Constitutional Court of Georgia rejected the lawsuits filed by President Salome Zourabichvili and 30 opposition representatives, seeking to declare the October 26 elections unconstitutional. This decision was published today following a plenary session of the Constitutional Court.

The ruling was supported by the following judges: Merab Turava, Eva Gotsiridze, Giorgi Tevdorashvili, Irina Imerlishvili, Khvicha Kikilashvili, Manana Kobakhidze, and Vasil Roinishvili.

Additionally, according to the Constitutional Court’s information, the ruling will be accompanied by separate opinions from judges Giorgi Kverenchkhiladze and Teimuraz Tugushi.