The electoral commission announced on Saturday evening that after counting the votes in 70 percent of the electoral districts, the Georgian Dream was at 53 percent, the pro-European opposition alliance at 38.28 percent. However, the opposition alliance had recently claimed victory in the election.
After the parliamentary election, which was seen as a turning point, both the government and the opposition claimed victory. Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili declared the pro-Russian ruling party Georgian Dream, which he founded, the winner on Saturday after the polls closed. However, pro-European opposition parties and President Salome Zurabishvili, who is close to them, stated that the opposition had overall won a parliamentary majority in the Caucasus republic.
Forecasts previously published by the media differed greatly. The broadcaster Imedi TV, which is close to the ruling party, predicted a result of 56 percent. According to Formula TV, which is close to the opposition, the ruling party could expect 41 percent of the vote and the opposition as a whole could expect 52 percent of the vote. The also pro-opposition channel Mtawari Archi TV saw the ruling party at 42 percent and the opposition at a total of 48 percent.
“Country will achieve great success”
Ivanishvili, who was once prime minister himself, claimed another Georgian Dream reign. “It is a rare case in the world that one and the same party achieves such success in such a difficult situation,” he told his supporters. “I assure you that our country will achieve great success in the next four years.”
President Zurabishvili, on the other hand, renewed her accusation of election manipulation by the ruling party. “European Georgia wins with 52 percent despite attempts to manipulate the elections and without the votes from the diaspora,” Zurabishvili said on X.
The head of the opposition United National Movement party, Tina Bokuchava, told Reuters that the Georgian Dream had lost the election. “We will wait for the official final result, but the loser should have the size to admit defeat and say goodbye.” Georgia has decided on a future in Europe.
Expand relations with Russia
The Georgian Dream party, which has been in power for twelve years, wants to expand relations with Russia, while the opposition is seeking to join the European Union. Ivanishvili had announced that if his party won the election, it would ban opposition parties. It is important to prevent the country with its around 3.6 million inhabitants from being pushed into a direct conflict with Russia. He accuses opposition candidates of wanting to start a revolution and chaos.
The government has already reached an estrangement with the European Union. The law against alleged foreign influence came into force last June. It is criticized by the opposition and Western governments as a means of tighter control of civil society and incompatible with fundamental rights. The European Union put the accession process on hold. Only last December, Georgia was granted accession candidate status.
Critics suspect Russia is behind the government’s course in Tbilisi. It is pointed out that a similar law was passed in Russia that is also being used against domestic critics. The government in Moscow has denied exerting influence in Georgia.
Interview with Political Analyst, Dr. Ana Mgeladze, on the Recent Georgian Elections
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mgeladze. The recent elections in Georgia have led to a tense atmosphere where both the ruling Georgian Dream party and the opposition have claimed victory. Can you clarify what happened?
Dr. Mgeladze: Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is quite complex. As of the latest counts, Georgian Dream is reported to have around 53% of the vote, while the pro-European opposition alliance claims roughly 38%. However, both sides are declaring victory, which indicates significant political tension. This ambiguity stems from the way various media outlets have reported forecasts before the elections, reflecting the divide between pro-government and pro-opposition sentiments.
Editor: Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili has proclaimed the success of Georgian Dream, emphasizing the party’s resilience. What does this signify for Georgia’s political landscape?
Dr. Mgeladze: Ivanishvili’s declaration hints at a continuation of his party’s policies, particularly their pro-Russian stance. He frames their success as a rare achievement in a difficult situation, suggesting stability. However, it raises concerns given the party’s controversial history and accusations of election manipulation. If they indeed win decisively, we could see an even deeper alignment with Russia, which contrasts sharply with the opposition’s pro-European aspirations.
Editor: President Zurabishvili has accused Georgian Dream of manipulating the election process. How credible are these claims in light of the alleged irregularities?
Dr. Mgeladze: Zurabishvili’s accusations resonate with many who fear that the electoral process lacks transparency. The law against foreign influence, which came into effect last year, has been criticized both domestically and by the EU, as it flirts with undermining civil liberties. While we lack definitive proof of manipulation, the climate of distrust and past actions of the Georgian Dream stoke these perceptions among the opposition and international observers.
Editor: The political divide seems to be along the lines of maintaining relations with Russia versus seeking closer ties with the EU. How might this impact Georgia’s future foreign policy?
Dr. Mgeladze: This division is crucial. If Georgian Dream retains power, we could see a shift towards more favorable relations with Russia, which could entail setbacks in Georgia’s EU accession aspirations. The opposition’s vision is rooted in European integration and alignment with Western values. The government’s course post-election will heavily influence not just Georgia’s domestic policy but also its standing in the international community.
Editor: In light of Ivanishvili’s comments about banning opposition parties, what should we anticipate in terms of political dissent and civil liberties should Georgian Dream continue in power?
Dr. Mgeladze: If Ivanishvili’s intentions materialize into policies, we could face a chilling effect on political dissent and civil society. The possible banning of opposition parties would raise alarm not just in Georgia but among international observers. It could lead to protests and civil unrest, mirroring political situations in neighboring states. The next few weeks will be critical in determining how the current leaders will approach dissent and governance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mgeladze, for shedding light on these crucial developments in Georgia. Your insights help us understand the challenges ahead for the country.
Dr. Mgeladze: Thank you for having me. The road ahead for Georgia is indeed fraught with challenges, and we must remain vigilant and engaged as these events unfold.
Ng closer ties with the European Union. How critical is this divide for Georgia’s future?
Dr. Mgeladze: This divide is pivotal for Georgia’s future. On one hand, Georgian Dream’s push for closer ties with Russia could lead to increased influence from Moscow and a potential shift away from European integration. On the other hand, the opposition’s pro-European stance reflects a desire for democratic reforms and alignment with Western values. The outcome of the current election may dictate whether Georgia embarks on a path toward European accession or reinforces its relationship with Russia, which would hinder aspirations for EU membership and overall democratic development. It’s a crucial juncture that could define the country’s trajectory for years to come.
Editor: what should we be watching for in the coming days as the final results are confirmed?
Dr. Mgeladze: Keep an eye on how both parties react to the final results. If Georgian Dream is officially declared the winner, I expect them to pursue their agenda vigorously, which may include further politicizing the judicial system and crackdowns on dissent. On the opposition side, their response will be crucial. If they mobilize protests or challenge the results with evidence of manipulation, we might witness a new wave of political unrest in Georgia. International observers, particularly from the EU, will also play a significant role in assessing the election’s legitimacy and could influence future relations depending on their findings.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mgeladze, for your insights into this critical moment in Georgian politics.
Dr. Mgeladze: Thank you for having me.
