BBC reports that President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western leader, expressed confidence that the current election in Georgia would lead to the future that all Georgians have been praying for. This election is seen as a crucial moment in deciding whether to end 12 years of authoritarian rule and push towards joining the European Union. The governing party, Georgian Dream, is expected to come out on top, but four opposition groups are hoping to combine forces to remove them from power and revive Georgia’s EU aspirations. The majority of voters are in favor of joining the EU, but the EU froze Georgia’s bid due to concerns over democratic backsliding. The election has become a choice between Europe and Russia, with the government framing it as a matter of peace or war. President Zourabichvili supports a broad opposition coalition government and hopes that this election will end the one-party rule in Georgia. However, Georgian Dream has warned voters that an opposition victory could lead to war with Russia, a message that has resonated with some voters. The election has also faced criticism for instances of voter intimidation and threats, but Georgian Dream maintains that they have improved the transparency of the electoral process. “That’s absolutely not a normal situation,” says Maka Bochorishvili, who heads GD’s parliament’s EU integration committee.
Bochorishvili mentions that once Georgian Dream secures a fourth term, they will engage in discussions with the EU to chart a way forward.
“All this talk about pressuring people to vote for specific political parties – ultimately, you’re on your own when casting your vote, and electronic machines are tallying those votes,” Bochorishvili remarked.
Critics argue that the changes have been implemented too hastily, and in certain areas, there is a genuine concern that the voting process is not truly confidential.
Not too far from downtown Tbilisi, Vano Chkhikvadze gestures towards red graffiti on the walls and pavement outside his office at the Civil Society Foundation.
Following the passing of the “foreign influence” law amidst widespread protests in central Tbilisi and other major cities during the summer, he claims that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze personally accused him of being a state traitor.
“We were receiving threatening phone calls in the middle of the night. Even our children were targeted.”
Prior to the election, the EU cautioned that Georgian Dream’s actions “indicate a move towards authoritarianism”.
Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s vote, the loser is unlikely to easily accept defeat.
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