Bidzina Ivanishvili, the influential figure behind the ruling party Georgian Dream, swiftly declared victory after initial election results indicated his party secured 54% of the vote, based on over 99% of district counts. This announcement, however, was met with skepticism, particularly from pro-Western opposition groups who have contested the legitimacy of the results, citing concerns over increased authoritarianism within the ruling party.
Tina Bokuchava from the opposition United National Movement claimed that the elections had been manipulated, describing the results as “stolen from the Georgian people.” Nika Gvaramia, another opposition leader, went as far as to call it a “constitutional coup.” Critics have also expressed disbelief at Georgian Dream’s increased vote share compared to four years ago, which they view as implausible.
As voters flocked to the polls in large numbers, reports of electoral violations and violence permeated the election day. One official in a town south of Tbilisi recounted a shocking incident where he was assaulted by a Georgian Dream councilor and several others, stating, “I didn’t know what was happening to me.”
My Vote, a coalition of 2,000 election observers, condemned the preliminary results as unreflective of the true will of the Georgian citizens, alleging widespread fraud and intimidation. This election, framed by opposition leaders as a crucial choice between aligning with Europe or succumbing to Russian influence, is viewed as one of the most significant since Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Exit polls released soon after voting ended suggested a tighter race than the results announced by the central election commission (CEC), which took longer than expected to provide preliminary results. Some polls indicated Georgian Dream received around 40-42% of the vote, contrasting sharply with the CEC’s figure of 54%. Critics have voiced concerns about the CEC’s close ties to the government, with some alleging that electoral reforms were rushed and poorly consulted.
Despite allegations of fraud, Ivanishvili celebrated what he termed a rare electoral triumph given the challenges facing their government. Meanwhile, oppositional figures decried the outcome, asserting that their fight for a European future was being undermined. Voter Levan Benidze expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “In future there may be no such moment.”
Following a drive for EU membership that has since stalled due to perceived democratic backsliding, Ivanishvili has promised continued aspirations for EU integration, while accusing opponents of working with the West to provoke conflict with Russia. This is particularly poignant as Russia still occupies 20% of Georgian territory following the 2008 war.
The rhetoric surrounding this election has become increasingly anti-Western under Georgian Dream, with Ivanishvili framing the opposition as foreign agents who threaten national stability. Voters like Tinatin Gvelesiani expressed unwavering support for Georgian Dream, emphasizing the party’s commitment to peace, which she deemed essential for her family’s future.
As the political tumult unfolded, violence continued to escalate, severely impacting opposition members, including Azat Karimov, who faced a brutal assault while attempting to investigate electoral discrepancies. Pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili urged opposition voters to withstand intimidation, warning that the threats were merely psychological.
On the eve of the vote, warnings surfaced about a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the election, with Russian intelligence officials alleging unwarranted Western interference. The political landscape remains fragile, with the election serving as a decisive moment for Georgia’s future direction.
