The presidential elections held on December 14, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for Georgia, surrounded by both significant political transformations and widespread protests. The Central Election Commission reported the elections as valid, with more than half of the 300 electors participating. From 10:30 AM (MSK), 170 members of the electoral college cast their votes, affirming the legitimacy required to proceed with the elections.
"These elections are illegitimate and unconstitutional," stated Salome Zourabichvili, the outgoing president, during protests outside the parliament building, where the voting took place. She also declared, "I will not leave my position after December 29," indicating her rejection of the process and intention to retain her role until formal handover occurs.
The elections were held under unprecedented circumstances, with citizens not directly voting for their president for the first time. Instead, 300 electors, including 150 parliament members, 21 representatives from the Adjara Supreme Council, 20 from the Abkhaz Supreme Council, and 109 from local municipalities were responsible for electing the president. The ruling party, "Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia," backed the sole candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili. He is described as a former professional footballer turned politician.
Kavelashvili’s candidacy sparked scorn from opposition forces and citizens alike, which manifested in protests where slogans such as "Show your diploma!" echoed through the streets, mocking his lack of higher education. Protesters carried colorful folders labeled "Diploma" to ridicule Kavelashvili's educational background, showing their discontent not only with the candidate but also with the political system itself.
Prior to the election, four opposition parties had declared they would not participate, deeming it untenable based on previous illegitimacy. Their absence contributed to Kavelashvili's easy electoral path, as his ruling party commanded 211 votes of the electors (70.3%)—enough to confirm his presidency.
Despite the governmental changes, protests had been growing for three weeks leading up to the elections, spurred largely by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s introduction of delays to Georgia’s EU application talks. The crowds persisted, even under challenging weather conditions, standing firm against what they viewed as authoritarian maneuverings by the government.
The new electoral process has roots deeply embedded within the shifting political framework of Georgia. "The elections were held successfully," remarked Natia Ioseliani, spokesperson for the Central Election Commission, contrasting sharply with the sentiments of the protesting citizens and several political analysts who saw this election as merely a façade.
On the day of the elections, Zourabichvili took to the streets to join protesters advocating for the reinstatement of talks on EU membership and the release of detained protesters, echoing deep-seated frustrations with the current regime.
While the official results were revealed later the same day, the significant issue remained—how both the government and the opposition would navigate the tumultuous waters of public sentiment and political legitimacy. Kavelashvili, who managed to secure 224 votes enough to win, now stands as president but faces the task of governing amid unrest and distrust.
The political backdrop is darkening for the newly minted president, whose electoral victory lacks the validation of direct public support. The absence of opposition participation clouds the future and challenges the notion of democratic progress within the country. Some analysts speculate this might fuel the opposition’s sentiment, potentially reigniting protests against the newly established leadership.
Political experts predict possible ramifications beyond Georgia’s borders, noting potential sanctions from allied nations due to the perceived undermining of democratic processes. Just prior to the elections, the U.S. State Department hinted at upcoming visa restrictions for those contributing to democratic erosion within Georgia.
Georgian society, deeply divided over these developments, remains vigilant days after the elections. The political scene continues to unfurl, with Zourabichvili asserting her reluctance to relinquish power even as Kavelashvili is confirmed as president. The complex interplay of governance, protests, and international relations will shape Georgia’s future as it attempts to balance internal stability against the backdrop of its ambitions for European integration.
