The opposition in Georgia has disputed the results of the parliamentary election, which saw the ruling party, Georgian Dream, win the crucial vote. The party’s win could determine whether Georgia pivots towards the West or falls back into Russia’s orbit. The election was seen as a make-or-break referendum on the country’s opportunity to join the European Union. Initial figures suggest that turn-out was the highest since the ruling party was first elected in 2012.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced that Georgian Dream won 52.99 per cent of the votes, but not all paper ballots and votes cast by Georgians abroad have been counted. The opposition, which initially declared victory, has refused to accept the results. The United National Movement, the biggest opposition party, accused the CEC of carrying out the “dirty order” of the ruling party’s leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and claimed that the victory was “stolen” from the people.
The pre-election campaign was dominated by foreign policy issues, with many Georgians worried about the country’s future direction. The ruling party has become increasingly authoritarian, adopting laws similar to those used by Russia to crack down on freedom of speech. Georgia’s bid for EU membership was put on hold indefinitely after the party passed a law restricting freedom of speech in June.
Bidzina Ivanishvili (Image via Getty)
The opposition parties have vowed to fight on to reclaim their “European future.” The leader of the Coalition for Change, Nika Gvaramia, claimed that the election was not just about changing government, but about whether Georgia “survives or not” under the current ruling party. Ivanishvili, the party’s leader, said that the election is a choice between a government that will serve the people or one that will serve foreign interests.
The election was seen as an existential moment for Georgia, with many wanting the country to join the EU and Nato. However, the ruling party’s win could mean that the country drifts back into Russia’s orbit. The opposition has accused the party of mounting a smear campaign and intimidating voters. The results of the election will determine the direction of the country and its future relations with the West.
