TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Police in Georgia used water cannons and pepper spray on Saturday to push back protesters who tried to storm the presidential palace, as the South Caucasus country held a municipal election boycotted by the main opposition blocs amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent. Georgian Dream halted talks about joining the bloc last year, triggering waves of protests that have been met with mass arrests and police violence. The move came after the longtime ruling party declared victory in an election the opposition said was rigged. Some then tried to force entry into the presidential palace in central Tbilisi, smashing the gate before being driven away by riot police. The opposition had promised a “peaceful revolution” before Saturday’s municipal election, boycotted by most parties critical of Georgian Dream.