One foreign election observer expressed concerns about ballot-stuffing attempts and fairness in the Georgian elections, while the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy reported incidents and violations during the voting process. Georgian Dream and opposition parties traded accusations of violations, with tensions escalating amid EU concerns over Georgia’s political rights restrictions and crackdown on civil society. The country’s pivot towards Russia is attributed to the influence of Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, who wields significant control over the party and state institutions.
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British backpacker among five dead in Laos after ‘drinking methanol served as free shots’
British backpacker Simone White from Kent died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, becoming the fifth tourist to pass away in the Vang Vieng area. Four other individuals, including an Australian, American, and two Danes, also died from the incident. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones and stated that other travelers were hospitalized due to consuming contaminated alcoholic drinks. Full Article
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