Georgia’s ruling pro-Russia party retains power in blow to EU aspirations

In a recent parliamentary election, observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have noted concerning evidence of “democratic backsliding” in Georgia. Reports of voter intimidation and coercion have emerged, casting shadows over the country’s aspiration for European Union membership.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), claimed victory with 54% of the vote, according to preliminary results, a development that has sparked fierce pushback from the pro-Western opposition. Leaders from the opposition, who refuse to concede defeat, are decrying the results as a “constitutional coup” and are prepared to stage protests, potentially igniting a political crisis in this Caucasus nation.

Georgia, home to nearly 4 million people, faced a pivotal moment as voters decided whether to grant the GD, which has been in power since 2012, another four-year term. The party has been criticized for steering the country away from Western integration and closer to Russia.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the influential billionaire behind GD, proclaimed victory soon after polls closed and referred to this election as one of the most consequential since Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. “It is rare for the same party to achieve such success in a difficult situation,” he stated, highlighting what he sees as the resilience of the Georgian people.

However, opposition leaders, including Tinatin Bokuchava of the United National Movement (UNM), condemned the results, claiming the election was marred by fraud and manipulation. “The victory was stolen from the Georgian people,” she asserted.

An initial OSCE report highlighted reports of voter pressure, particularly among public sector employees, raising significant concerns about their ability to vote freely without fear of retribution. While the report did not outright declare the elections were stolen, the opposition reiterated their allegations of widespread fraud, with a group of election observers stating that the preliminary results do not reflect the true will of Georgia’s citizens.

Disturbingly, videos surfaced online purportedly showing incidents of ballot stuffing and voter intimidation during the election. Bokuchava accused Ivanishvili’s supporters of desperation, claiming they would do anything to maintain power.

Electoral data suggested some rural areas saw GD winning by alarming margins, even reaching 90%, although their performance lagged in larger cities. Historically, Georgia has leaned strongly toward pro-Western aspirations, with public opinion polls indicating that up to 80% of citizens support EU membership. Nevertheless, recent government actions have shown a pivot towards Russia, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine.

On the ground, voters displayed a split sentiment regarding the country’s trajectory. Ana Machaidze, a 25-year-old student, expressed despair, saying, “We have lost our country today…I hope we can take to the streets, but if we lose, maybe I will live abroad.” In contrast, Irakli Shengelia, a 56-year-old restaurant worker, gave his support for GD, appreciating the party’s assurance of “peace and stability” in relation to Russia.

Additionally, the current government aligns itself with Georgia’s conservative Orthodox church, pushing anti-liberal rhetoric centered on “family values” and denouncing perceived Western excesses. Recent legislation imposing strict limits on LGBTQ+ rights, resembling laws implemented in Russia, has drawn international criticism and reflected growing conservative sentiments.

While the EU granted Georgia candidate membership status last year, the bloc has put the application process on hold following the passage of a controversial “foreign agents” bill that mandates NGOs and media receiving substantial foreign funding to register as “agents of foreign influence.” This legislation has sparked significant public outcry and is labeled by critics as a measure akin to repressive laws enacted by the Kremlin to stifle dissent.