Former Manchester City Striker Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City striker, has been elected as the President of Georgia, a development that has intensified political tensions within the country. Kavelashvili, 53, who played for Manchester City between 1995 and 1997, was the sole candidate in the election, securing 224 out of 225 votes cast by the ruling Georgian Dream party's electoral college.

The election process has been marred by controversy, with opposition parties boycotting the vote and accusing the ruling party of election manipulation and authoritarian practices. The incumbent president, Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-European Union advocate, has refused to step down, labeling the election as illegitimate and unconstitutional.

Kavelashvili's political career began in 2016 when he was elected to the Georgian Parliament under the Georgian Dream party. He later co-founded People's Power, a group known for its anti-Western stance. His nomination and subsequent election have raised concerns about Georgia's political direction, with critics accusing the ruling party of steering the country towards closer ties with Russia and away from Western alliances.

The situation has sparked widespread protests across Georgia, with demonstrators demanding fair elections and adherence to democratic principles. International observers, including the European Union and the United States, have expressed concerns over the election's legitimacy and the Georgian government's commitment to democratic values.

Kavelashvili is expected to assume office on December 29, 2024. However, the ongoing political unrest and refusal of the current president to vacate the position suggest that Georgia may face a prolonged period of instability.