Georgia’s Parliamentary Election: Ruling Party Leads Amidst Reports of Violence and Electoral Misconduct

In a highly contentious and significant parliamentary election, Georgia‘s ruling party, Georgian Dream, is projected to secure the top position, according to preliminary results and conflicting exit polls. The election, held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, has been marked by substantial voter turnout, multiple reports of electoral misconduct, and incidents of violence at polling locations.

The Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been in power since 2012 and has increasingly adopted authoritarian tendencies. The opposition factions, which aim to end Georgian Dream’s 12-year reign, have framed this election as a critical choice between aligning with Europe or reverting to Russian influence. Despite Georgian Dream’s lead, there is uncertainty about who will ultimately form a governing majority, with more definitive results expected in the coming hours.

Voter intimidation and violence were notable issues during the election. Reports include attacks on opposition representatives, assaults on polling stations, and the headquarters of the largest opposition party facing an assault from supporters of the ruling faction. Two individuals were hospitalized due to these incidents.

The election is crucial for Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union. Approximately 80% of Georgians support EU membership, and the country’s constitution mandates pursuing membership in both the EU and NATO. However, Georgia’s EU application has been stalled due to concerns over democratic regression, particularly a law enacted by Georgian Dream that restricts free speech and is reminiscent of Russian legislation.

Georgian Dream’s campaign has emphasized a ‘pragmatic’ approach towards Russia and has portrayed the opposition as “foreign agents” following directives from abroad. Ivanishvili has also suggested that an opposition win could lead to renewed conflict with Russia, a message that has resonated with some voters.

Election monitors reported various infractions, including ballot tampering and voter intimidation. President Salome Zourabichvili urged opposition supporters to remain undaunted by these tactics, emphasizing that they were merely psychological pressure.

The outcome of this election will significantly influence Georgia’s trajectory, with the opposition promising to repeal laws detrimental to EU alignment and to call for immediate elections if they emerge victorious. The ruling party, however, has pledged to ban opposition parties if it secures a substantial majority.