Georgia votes in high-stakes election affecting EU membership ambitions

Voting is under way in Georgia’s parliamentary elections that could shape the future of the country’s young democracy and its European ambitions.

Saturday’s vote will see an unprecedented alliance of pro-Western opposition parties challenging the governing Georgian Dream party, which has faced criticism for stifling democracy and drifting towards Russia.

The European Union has warned that the election will determine the country’s chances of joining the 27-nation bloc. Polls suggest…