Georgian Vote Looms as Pressure Mounts on Governing Party
As Georgia prepares for a pivotal election just three days away, founder Bidzina Ivanishvili of the ruling Georgian Dream party has rallied supporters by stating, “we choose peace, not war.” This election represents a critical juncture for the party after 12 years in power, as they face a fierce challenge from four opposition groups.
The Georgian Dream party claims that the opposition intends to drag Georgia into the conflict in Ukraine. Conversely, the opposition argues that the election outcome will determine whether the country aligns itself with Russia under Georgian Dream or embraces a European path.
Ivanishvili emphasized the need for a “dignified European future based on equality” during a speech to supporters in Liberty Square.
Public sentiment in Georgia largely favors European Union membership. However, progress toward this goal was halted this year following sharp criticism from EU officials regarding the Georgian government’s democratic backsliding.
The ruling party has been accused of undermining Georgia’s EU ambitions, despite their assertions that they remain on track to join by 2030.
While opinion polls in the country are often deemed unreliable, recent surveys suggest that Georgian Dream might secure a victory, although a combined opposition vote could surpass them.
Last Sunday, opposition supporters filled Liberty Square, demonstrating with flags representing Georgia and the EU. This week, it was Georgian Dream’s turn as a crowd of supporters rallied under party banners, chanting, “Long live Georgian Dream.”
Ivanishvili addressed the gathered crowd from behind protective glass, while Tbilisi’s mayor, Kakha Kaladze, accused external actors of interfering in the elections, asserting, “We refuse to be anyone’s vassal.”
Although these statements may resonate less in urban centers like Tbilisi, rural areas may interpret them differently. One voter expressed a sentiment of choosing stability over the opposition, despite personal reservations about Georgian Dream.
Historical context remains a factor, as the 2008 war with Russia, which occurred under the previous governing party, remains fresh in voters’ memories. Despite this, concerns regarding election fairness have arisen, with reports of intimidation targeting public servants to sway their votes.
Reports indicate that individuals in small communities may fear job loss if they do not comply with directives from Georgian Dream supporters.
The National Movement (UNM), as the most prominent opposition group, has faced calls for its banning. Georgian Dream is criticized for passing controversial laws, including regulations limiting foreign influence on media and civil society. Earlier this month, the government also implemented restrictive policies against the LGBTQ community, adding to tensions with pro-Western factions.
In response, the president has urged citizens to vote for opposition parties that support EU integration. Yet, the political landscape remains fractured, with government-aligned media and opposition outlets presenting starkly different narratives.
Despite setbacks, Georgian Dream continues to assert its commitment to EU membership, even modifying its branding to reflect EU symbols, despite the recently frozen application process. Election campaigns have featured provocative imagery aimed at discrediting opposition leaders, framing them as potential threats to peace.
The governing party’s rhetoric interjects fear of foreign influence, positioning the opposition as agents of Western interests. Some analysts suggest that Georgian Dream is adopting a governance model reminiscent of Hungary’s authoritarian approach.
As the election approaches, the call for an absolute majority by the ruling party raises fresh concerns over the future of Georgia’s democracy and alignment with European values.
