Georgia is facing intense political turmoil as President Salome Zurabishvili calls for the ruling Georgian Dream party to set a date for new parliamentary elections by December 29. This call for new elections follows widespread allegations of fraud during the recent parliamentary elections dominated by the Moscow-friendly party, which has held power since 2012.
On October 26, Georgian Dream proclaimed victory, leading to mass protests throughout the country. Thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets, accusing the government of electoral manipulation and alignment with Russian interests. The unrest has been met with heavy-handed police responses, resulting in hundreds of detentions and reports of mistreatment among protesters.
Former Prime Minister Nika Gilauri voiced his concerns about the legitimacy of the recent elections, labeling the current parliament as illegitimate. "The elections were rigged, and we have an illegitimate parliament right now," Gilauri stated in an exclusive interview. His remarks highlight fears among many Georgians about the growing influence of Russia over their domestic affairs.
The turmoil surrounding Georgian Dream's management is exacerbated by the party's decision to suspend negotiations with the European Union, complicate Georgia's aspirations for EU integration, and adopt laws resembling those of Russia, particularly the controversial 'foreign agents' law. This law, echoing legislation used by the Kremlin, has raised alarm about diminishing civil liberties and media freedoms within Georgia.
Addressing the rally on December 22, Zurabishvili invited the party’s founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, to the presidential palace, asserting, "Ivanishvili should come to the palace and I am ready to sit down and think about how the elections should be scheduled. The election date should be agreed by December 29." The president's stance has positioned her as the de facto leader of the opposition movement, calling for open elections and advocating for democratic principles.
International oversight bodies like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have expressed serious concerns over the legitimacy of the recent elections, citing reports of intimidation and violence directed at voters and opposition members. The OSCE's findings reveal procedural flaws and manipulative tactics during the election, stating, "This election took place amid serious concerns about the impact of recently passed legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society."
The situation escalated on November 28 when Georgia announced its withdrawal from EU accession negotiations, signaling potential long-term ramifications for its relationship with Europe. The ruling party’s leaders maintain their alignment toward Russia, as evidenced by the economic and political ties built by Georgian Dream over its decade-long reign.
Mikheil Kavelashvili, formerly of Manchester City and now linked with the ruling party, is due for presidential inauguration on December 29. His rise has been interpreted as another step toward cementing Georgian Dream's power and aligning Georgia's policies more closely with the Kremlin. Kavelashvili is the first Georgian president selected not via direct public election, following constitutional changes initiated by Georgian Dream likely aimed at maintaining power through selected candidates.
Critics note stark similarities between Georgia's governing structure and Russia’s political operations, particularly the manipulation of electoral laws and processes for political gain. Gilauri pointed out this parallel, stating, "It all looks very much orchestrated," drawing parallels between recent events and patterns of Russian interference seen in neighboring countries.
Beyond the domestic challenges, human rights concerns have urged international actors to intervene. An OSCE letter dated December 20 highlights the pattern of police violence against peaceful protesters and the targeting of opposition figures and media, pointing to the absence of accountability for abuses. The letter states, "This persistent pattern highlights the need for more rigorous mechanisms to prevent impunity and guarantee justice."
Overall, Georgia's situation serves as a cautionary tale about regional geopolitics, governance challenges, and the struggle for democratic integrity amid external influences. The presidency, previously seen as nominal, has emerged as pivotal, as Zurabishvili continues to vocally champion the opposition's cause, insisting on the need for free and fair elections.
So, as Georgia gears up for Kavelashvili’s inauguration, it stands at a crossroads. The actions taken by both the government and the opposition will likely shape the nation's future, determining whether Georgia leans toward a path of authoritarianism under the close watch of Moscow or reaffirms its commitment to European integration. Without substantial intervention or mediation from the international community, the question remains whether Georgia will reclaim its democratic aspirations or succumb to external authoritarian pressures.
