Lawmakers from Georgia's ruling party opened the first session of parliament on Monday after last month's disputed election, defying protesters outside and a boycott by opposition parties who say the vote was illegitimate.

The newly elected Georgian parliament opened its inaugural session on Monday as opposition lawmakers and the country's ceremonial president stayed away and thousands of protesters rallied outside, accusing the ruling party of rigging the vote under Russian influence.

Georgia’s ruling party convened parliament for its first session since last month’s election even as opposition lawmakers enforced a boycott and protesters continued street demonstrations over the results.