The Georgian Dream party has won the parliamentary elections with over 54% of the votes but lacks the majority necessary for constitutional changes. The elections have been marred by accusations of fraud from opposition parties, who argue the results reflect a ‘constitutional coup’ and undermined democratic standards. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s founder, celebrated the victory while opposition leaders question the legitimacy of the election process amid reports of violence and voter intimidation.
The Georgian Dream party has secured victory in the recent parliamentary elections, as announced by the electoral commission amidst protests from opposition factions. According to Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the chair of the central election commission, the ruling party garnered over 54 percent of the votes, thus ensuring its control over the parliament with 89 seats in the 150-member legislature. However, this outcome falls short of the absolute majority needed for constitutional amendments. The elections, which concluded on a Sunday, were met with strong opposition from pro-European parties who have criticized the conducting of the vote as a manifestation of “constitutional coup.” Election results revealed that the four opposition parties collectively received more than 37 percent of the vote. In particular, the Coalition for Change obtained approximately 10.8 percent. The results are perceived as disappointing for pro-Western voters in Georgia who view the election as a pivotal choice between a ruling party with increasing ties to Russia and an opposition eager to expedite the nation’s integration with the European Union. Brussels had emphasized the significance of this election as a gauge of Georgia’s democratic health and its aspirations for EU membership. Opposition leaders have vehemently rejected the election results, labeling them fraudulent. Tina Bokuchava of the United National Movement stated that the results were “falsified” and accused the government of stealing Georgia’s future. Similarly, Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Ahali party, described the election process as a governmental “constitutional coup”. The opposition’s sentiments were echoed by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who reported alarming instances of violence at polling stations. A Georgian watchdog organization has called for the annulment of the election results, citing allegations of voter intimidation and vote buying without providing substantial evidence. Despite these controversies, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the reclusive billionaire founder of Georgian Dream, celebrated the electoral victory, highlighting that the party achieved its best performance since 2012, particularly in rural areas. Ivanishvili expressed that this success was indicative of the effectiveness and ability of the Georgian people, while simultaneously stating that his party envisions Georgia’s future within the EU despite ongoing skepticism from Brussels due to perceived authoritarian governance. Moreover, the ruling party’s campaign was underpinned by narratives surrounding a purported “global war party” allegedly seeking to embroil Georgia in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a claim that resonates deeply within a nation that has suffered due to Russia’s historical invasions. Voter sentiments reflect a growing anxiety regarding the direction of Georgia’s political landscape, with several citizens vocalizing disappointment regarding the proximity to Russian influence and the erosion of democratic principles characterizing recent governance.
The recent parliamentary elections in Georgia have generated significant controversy, particularly in light of the political landscape characterized by the increasing influence of the Georgian Dream party, which has fostered strong ties with Russia, in contrast to pro-Western opposition parties aspiring for closer integration with the European Union (EU). The electoral process has been described as a critical test of democracy in Georgia, especially in the context of the country’s ambitions for EU membership. The legitimacy of the election results has been questioned by opposition leaders, who have accused the governing party of manipulating the voting process to maintain power amidst allegations of voter suppression and unequal campaigning environments.
The electoral outcome in Georgia underscores the ongoing tensions between a ruling party that is perceived as aligning more closely with Russian interests and an opposition that champions European integration. Despite their electoral victory, the Georgian Dream party’s inability to secure an absolute majority raises questions about its capacity to implement sweeping constitutional reforms. The aftermath of the elections has sparked considerable unrest and allegations of electoral fraud, reflecting profound divisions within Georgian society regarding the nation’s political future and affiliations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
