The party is said to have received 53 per cent support, against the opposition’s 38.8 per cent.
This is in contrast to two polls on election day which show a clear lead for the union of pro-EU opposition parties in the country.
On Saturday, the citizens of Georgia went to the polls to elect a new national assembly and decide the country’s future. Both political wings were quick to declare victory on Saturday.
The election is referred to as a fateful choice for the small neighboring country to Russia. A victory for the opposition could see Georgia get back on track towards EU membership, while a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party could see the country fall even closer into Russia’s orbit.
Leads on two measurements
An election day poll from Formula TV gives the government party a support of 41 percent and the coalition of opposition parties a support of 52 percent.
A poll by the TV channel Mtavari Arkhi shows a similar picture, with support of 42 percent for the ruling Georgian Dream party and 48 percent for the opposition parties.
However, a poll by the government-friendly Imedi TV, which is reproduced by the Russian news agency Tass, shows a support of 56.1 percent for the Georgian dream, reports Reuters.
Fate choice
When the polls were released, both Bidzina Ivanishvili – the billionaire who founded the ruling Georgian Dream party and made his fortune in Russia – and pro-EU president Salome Zurabishvili came out and declared victory.
– European Georgia wins the election with 52 percent support, the president wrote in a message on X.
The leader of the association of opposition parties, Tina Bokutsjava, also says that Georgian Dream has lost the election.
– Most people will take Bidzina Ivanishvili’s claims that he has obtained a majority with a large grain of salt, she says.
– We will wait for the final, official tally, but the loser should have the manners to admit defeat and retire, Bokutsjava continued.
– Risk of unrest
During the election, there have been both accusations of electoral fraud and threats against voters. President Zurabishvili said there had been deeply disturbing episodes of violence at some polling stations.
A video circulating on social media showed a brawl between dozens of unidentified men outside a polling station in a suburb of Tbilisi.
– If the ruling party tries to stay in power regardless of the election result, there is a risk of unrest after the election, warned analyst Gela Vasadze at Georgia’s Center for Strategic Analysis ahead of Saturday’s election, according to AFP.
Some Georgians have said they were pressured to vote for the ruling party. The opposition has accused the party of waging a “hybrid war” against the citizens.
A video shared on social media on Saturday showed a man stuffing ballots into a ballot box at a polling station in the town of Marneuli, 42 kilometers south of Tbilisi. Georgia’s Interior Ministry says it had launched an investigation into the matter.
Bitter election campaign
The election is a to be or not to be for Georgia’s opportunity to become an EU member.
The country gained candidate status in the EU at the end of 2023. Since then, Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012, has stalled the process with a series of controversial legislative changes.
The election campaign in the nation of 3.7 million inhabitants has been bitter and dominated by foreign policy.
Ahead of the parliamentary elections, Ivanishvili again promised to ban opposition parties should his party win.
During an election rally in the capital Tbilisi on Wednesday, he said, among other things, that Georgian Dream will hold the opposition parties “fully responsible under the full force of the law” for “war crimes” committed against the Georgian people.
He did not explain in more detail what crimes he believes the opposition has committed.
#election #results #Georgia #show #majority #ruling #party #election #authorities
Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elena Kvilashvili on the Recent Georgian Elections
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kvilashvili. The recent elections in Georgia have stirred quite a debate. Can you help us understand the significance of the reported support for the Georgian Dream party versus the opposition?
Dr. Kvilashvili: Thank you for having me. The election results are certainly controversial. While recent polls indicated a notable lead for the opposition parties, the ruling Georgian Dream, backed by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, claims to have secured 53 percent of the vote. This is particularly surprising given the earlier polls that showed a stronger performance from the opposition.
Interviewer: Yes, it seems there are conflicting narratives on who actually won. Is this typical for Georgian elections?
Dr. Kvilashvili: Unfortunately, yes. Georgia has a history of electoral disputes and allegations of fraud. The discrepancies between the exit polls and the government’s claims are disheartening and lead many to question the integrity of the electoral process. The situation underscores the existing political divisions within the country.
Interviewer: The elections have been described as a “fateful choice” for Georgia. Why is this?
Dr. Kvilashvili: The elections are pivotal as they can significantly influence Georgia’s future, particularly regarding its EU aspirations. A victory for the opposition could realign the country toward European integration, while a continued majority for Georgian Dream may bring Georgia closer to Russia, which has been a concern for many Georgians. The political outcome has implications not only for domestic policy but also for international relations.
Interviewer: There have been reports of unrest and violence during the elections. How might this affect the post-election landscape?
Dr. Kvilashvili: The reports of violence and intimidation are alarming. Such incidents can undermine public trust in the electoral process and may lead to widespread protests. Both sides have already declared victory, which could further elevate tensions. If the situation escalates, we could see increased unrest in the streets as citizens demand transparency and accountability.
Interviewer: What do you think the next steps should be for the parties involved?
Dr. Kvilashvili: It is crucial that both sides approach the aftermath with a commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. The opposition must push for a transparent investigation into any electoral irregularities, while the ruling party should be open to scrutiny and willing to address the allegations of fraud. It’s essential for the stability of Georgia and its aspirations for European integration.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kvilashvili. Your insights into this complex situation are greatly appreciated.
Dr. Kvilashvili: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for Georgia, and I hope for a peaceful resolution.
Terviewer: Given the reported incidents of violence and allegations of electoral fraud, what might this mean for the stability of Georgia in the coming weeks?
Dr. Kvilashvili: The risk of unrest is significant if the ruling party attempts to hold onto power in the face of strong opposition claims. The reports of violence at polling stations and the accusations of voter intimidation create an environment of fear and uncertainty. If the Georgian Dream party disregards the election results, we could see public protests and widespread discontent, leading to severe political instability.
Interviewer: How do you see the international community responding to these developments?
Dr. Kvilashvili: The international community, particularly the EU, is closely watching these elections. If it appears that the elections were not fair and that democratic norms are being undermined, it could complicate Georgia’s relationship with Europe. Countries that have extended their hand towards Georgia for EU membership might become hesitant, affecting not just Georgia’s aspirations but also regional stability.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kvilashvili, for providing us with your insights on this critical moment in Georgian politics.
Dr. Kvilashvili: It’s my pleasure. I hope for a resolution that reflects the will of the Georgian people and strengthens democracy in the region.
