Georgians are casting their ballots today in a high-stakes election that could end 12 years of increasingly authoritarian rule under the governing Georgian Dream party. This election is critical as it will determine Georgia’s future path toward potential European Union membership.
With approximately 3.5 million voters eligible, the election has been marked by rising tensions, allegations of vote violations, and reports of scuffles at polling stations. Many Georgians view the election as a choice between aligning with the West or slipping back into Russia’s sphere of influence, especially given the country’s historical conflicts with its northern neighbor.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who supports pro-Western policies, emphasized the importance of the vote, stating, “I voted for a new Georgia.” She has actively backed an opposition coalition to challenge Georgian Dream’s hold on power, urging voters to break away from “one-party rule.”
Polling places opened at 16:00 GMT, and reports indicate that voters have been expressing their frustrations with both the ruling party and the opposition. Opinion polls suggest Georgian Dream is likely to secure a significant portion of the vote, potentially around one-third. However, four opposition groups are rallying together in hopes of ousting the ruling party and reigniting Georgia’s stalled EU candidacy, which has been frozen due to concerns about “democratic backsliding.”
The political climate in Georgia has become increasingly polarized, with Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, portraying the opposition as foreign agents intent on bringing war. Ivanishvili asserted, “Georgians have a simple choice: a government that serves them or an opposition that will carry out the orders of a foreign country.” His party’s campaign includes controversial billboards juxtaposing images of war-torn Ukraine with peaceful scenes from Georgia, urging voters to choose stability.
In stark contrast, opposition leaders argue that the current regime is undermining Georgia’s aspirations for EU integration. Tina Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement, the largest opposition party, claims that credible polls show the opposition leading. She has also agreed to a plan that would establish a technocratic government to reverse damaging legislation if they are victorious.
Election observers have reported multiple violations at polling stations, including ballot stuffing and intimidation tactics. According to the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, nearly 10% of their observers noted irregularities. Reports have emerged of voters being coerced into supporting Georgian Dream, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Despite these allegations, Georgian Dream has defended its governance, claiming that it has implemented measures to enhance electoral transparency, including an electronic vote-counting system. Maka Bochorishvili, head of the parliament’s EU integration committee, rejected the notion that the elections are not free and fair, insisting that voters are casting their ballots in private.
As the votes are tallied, the potential for post-election unrest looms large, with both sides preparing for a contentious aftermath. The European Union has expressed deep concerns regarding Georgian Dream’s recent actions, suggesting a shift toward authoritarianism. Regardless of the outcome, analysts warn that the losing party is unlikely to accept defeat without a fight, raising fears of further instability in the region.
