Edison Research, which is hired by the pro-opposition television channel Formula, says the discrepancy between its election day poll and the official result points to manipulation.
HarrisX, which conducted an election day poll for Mtavari Arkhi, another pro-opposition TV channel in the Caucasian country, says the official result is “statistically impossible”.
The election was seen as a crossroads for the former Soviet republic: closer integration with Europe under the pro-Western opposition or closer ties with Russia under the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Official results say the ruling party, which critics accuse of becoming increasingly authoritarian, won the October election.
The country’s provost president has also said that the official result is fake. In the capital Tbilisi, several thousand have demonstrated to express their dissatisfaction, and a new demonstration has been announced on Monday.
Georgian dream and the election board have not made any immediate comment on the findings of the American pollsters. Mamuka Mdinaradze, a high-profile member of parliament from the party, is quoted in the Georgian media as saying that Georgian Dream has been subjected to electoral fraud on the part of the opposition. Without providing documentation, he claims that the ruling party received even greater support than the official results show.
#pollsters #suggest #fraud #Georgia #election
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elene Chkhikvadze on Election Irregularities in Georgia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chkhikvadze. The recent elections in Georgia have raised significant concerns among international observers, especially regarding allegations of electoral fraud. What do you make of the reports from Edison Research and HarrisX suggesting that the official results are statistically impossible?
**Dr. Chkhikvadze:** Thank you for having me. The discrepancies reported by these pollsters certainly warrant serious scrutiny. When reputable research firms, particularly from the U.S., indicate such significant irregularities, it raises questions not just about the integrity of the electoral process, but also about the democratic health of the country as a whole.
**Interviewer:** In light of these allegations, do you believe that an independent international investigation is essential for restoring trust in Georgia’s electoral system?
**Dr. Chkhikvadze:** Absolutely. An independent investigation could help clarify the situation, validate or refute the claims of fraud, and provide transparency in a politically charged environment. The stakes are high; this election is pivotal for Georgia’s future direction—whether it aligns more closely with Europe or Russia.
**Interviewer:** The provost president has termed the official results as “fake,” and protests are growing in Tbilisi. How do you see this affecting public sentiment and political stability in Georgia?
**Dr. Chkhikvadze:** The public’s response to alleged electoral fraud can lead to significant unrest and instability. People want to feel that their voices are heard and that elections reflect their will. If protests continue and escalate, it could lead to a pivotal moment for Georgian democracy, especially given the current ruling party’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
**Interviewer:** Mamuka Mdinaradze of the Georgian Dream party claims they are victims of electoral fraud by the opposition. How does this back-and-forth affect the political landscape?
**Dr. Chkhikvadze:** This ongoing blame game creates a mistrustful environment and polarizes the political landscape further. It distracts from genuine dialogue about governance and reforms. Such accusations without evidence can fuel division, making it harder for any political faction to gain legitimacy.
**Interviewer:** what do you think readers should consider regarding the future of democracy in Georgia amidst these troubling allegations?
**Dr. Chkhikvadze:** Readers should reflect on the broader implications of electoral integrity in democratic societies. What does it mean for citizens when their votes are potentially manipulated? The resilience of democracy is at stake, and it’s crucial for citizens to demand accountability and transparency. How can we expect stable governance if the foundational principles of democracy—fair elections and public trust—are in jeopardy?
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chkhikvadze, for your insights. For our audience, we invite you to share your thoughts: Do you believe the allegations of electoral fraud in Georgia warrant an independent investigation, or do you think the ruling party’s claims are valid? Your opinions could shape the future discourse on democracy in the region.
