Thousands of opposition supporters marched on Monday GeorgiaProtests continue against the victory declared by the ruling party in the October 26 parliamentary elections, amid allegations that Russia rigged the vote.

Protesters waved in Georgian and European Union Flags were carried and gathered in front of the Georgian parliament. They demanded a new parliamentary election under international supervision and an investigation into allegations of election fraud.

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Unity National Movement Coalition, vowed that the opposition would “fight to the end”.

“There was massive fraud in the elections, which is why we do not recognize the election results,” he said. “Our goal is new elections, our goal is to establish a new government that will lead Georgia to European integration.”

Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott parliamentary sessions and stage regular protests until their demands are met.

The Central Election Commission said the ruling Georgian Dream party won about 54% of the vote. Its leaders rejected opposition claims of voter fraud.

European election observers said the election took place in a “divisive” atmosphere marked by cases of bribery, double voting and physical violence.

The opposition accused Georgian Dream, founded by shady billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia, of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilting towards Moscow. It recently passed laws similar to those the Kremlin has used to curb free speech and LGBTQ+ rights.

Rejecting the official results, President Salome Zourabichvili said Georgia had fallen victim to Moscow’s pressure to join the EU. Zourabichvili, who was mostly ceremonial, called on the US and the EU to support the demonstrations.

Officials in Washington and Brussels have called for a thorough investigation of the election, while the Kremlin has denied accusations of interference.

Many Georgians viewed the parliamentary elections as an important referendum on the country’s efforts to join the EU. The EU indefinitely suspended Georgia’s membership application process due to the adoption of a Russia-style “external influence law” in June.

MPs from many EU countries attended Monday’s rally to show solidarity with the protesters.

“Someone wants your freedom, someone wants your democracy, your country, your EU membership and NATOLithuanian parliament member Zygimantas Pavilionis said at the rally. “Don’t give up. “Fight for your freedom, fight for your democracy, fight for your country, fight for your membership in the EU and NATO.”