For the first time in Georgia’s history, the presidential election was held indirectly through an electoral college rather than by direct popular vote. The election saw Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and the sole candidate nominated by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, declared the winner.
Election Results
According to results reported by Echo of the Caucasus, Kavelashvili secured 224 votes in the electoral college, where the ruling party holds an absolute majority. One ballot was invalidated. The 53-year-old politician, a leader of the People’s Power party, is known for his strong anti-Western stance. People’s Power formally broke away from Georgian Dream but remains closely aligned with it.
The inauguration of Kavelashvili is planned for 29 December, according to Georgian Dream officials.
Controversy Surrounding the Election
The opposition and outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the election process. Zourabichvili, who has been a vocal critic of the government, announced she would not relinquish her presidential powers, intensifying the political standoff.
Salome Zourabichvili
A protest erupted early on 14 December outside the Georgian Parliament, where demonstrators opposed the new electoral process and Kavelashvili’s presidency. Critics argue that the indirect election system was designed to consolidate the ruling party’s control over the presidency, a traditionally symbolic but significant position in Georgian politics.
Implications for Western Relations
Kavelashvili’s anti-Western rhetoric raises concerns about Georgia’s foreign policy direction, particularly its relations with the European Union, NATO, and Ukraine. Georgia has historically balanced its aspirations for European integration with pressure from Russia, a strategy that critics fear could shift under Kavelashvili’s leadership.
The legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s presidency poses a challenge for Western governments and Ukraine, which must decide whether to recognise the new administration. This decision could have broader implications for Georgia’s international standing and its integration into Western institutions.
Image source: ekhokavkaza.com
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