Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili has delivered a pointed critique of the country’s political trajectory, accusing the ruling “Georgian Dream” party of steering the nation away from its democratic course. In a recent interview with journalist Giorgi Gabunia on the independent television network Mtavari Arkhi, Zourabichvili stated that participation in the new Parliament amounts to alignment with Russia—a claim underscoring the deep political crisis in the country.
Her comments follow contested parliamentary elections held on 26 October, which opposition parties and civil society have denounced as fraudulent. The President’s remarks reflect the growing polarisation in Georgian politics and increasing concerns over the nation’s trajectory, particularly regarding its relationship with Russia.
Claims of Electoral Manipulation
The Central Election Commission (CEC) certified the election results on 16 November, awarding the ruling “Georgian Dream” party 89 out of 150 parliamentary seats. Four opposition platforms together secured 61 seats, distributed as follows:
- Coalition for Change: 19 seats
- Unity – United National Movement: 16 seats
- Strong Georgia: 14 seats
- For Georgia (Gakharia’s Party): 12 seats
Despite this, the opposition and watchdog organisations have rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral manipulation. The President echoed these concerns in her interview, pointing out stark differences between the current situation and past elections.
“Comparisons to 2020 are meaningless,” Zourabichvili said. “Back then, there was no feeling that the country was veering in a completely different direction, nor was there the same level of public outrage over alleged mass fraud. What we saw in 2020 was, as I’ve called it, ‘normal fraud.’ But today, the sense of stolen elections and a stolen future is unmistakable. Entering this Parliament means entering Russia.”
Opposition Boycott and One-Party Rule
President Zourabichvili expressed confidence that opposition parties would not take up their seats in the new Parliament, leaving “Georgian Dream” to govern in isolation. This, she warned, could cement one-party dominance in both the government and legislative branch.
“They are alone—alone in Parliament, alone in government,” she said. “What we now have is a one-party state, controlled by a single individual, with every institution subordinated to this single political force.”
Zourabichvili’s comments reflect growing concerns about “Georgian Dream’s” consolidation of power, which critics argue undermines democratic checks and balances. Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott the Parliament, accusing the ruling party of using state resources and electoral mechanisms to rig the vote.
International Scrutiny
The disputed elections have prompted calls from international partners for an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities. Observers from international organisations have highlighted credible reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and ballot manipulation.
In a statement, Western diplomats urged the Georgian authorities to ensure transparency and accountability, warning that unresolved allegations of electoral fraud could erode public trust in democratic institutions. The United States and European Union have both expressed concerns over the political impasse, which they fear could destabilise the region.
Georgia’s Democratic Aspirations at Risk
Zourabichvili’s invocation of Russia serves as a pointed warning to Western allies about the stakes involved. Georgia has long sought closer ties with NATO and the European Union, positioning itself as a bastion of democracy in a region often dominated by authoritarian influences. However, the current political crisis has raised fears that the country could backslide into Moscow’s sphere of influence.
The President’s remarks resonate with a growing section of Georgian society that views the ruling party’s policies as increasingly authoritarian and at odds with the nation’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Opposition figures have framed the election as a turning point, with one leader calling it “a battle for Georgia’s future as a Western democracy.”
The Path Forward
Georgia now faces a precarious situation. The opposition’s refusal to enter Parliament could leave the country effectively under one-party rule, further alienating it from its Western partners. Meanwhile, the credibility of the electoral process remains in question, with public protests against the results showing no signs of abating.
The political deadlock presents a serious test for Georgia’s standing as a trusted democratic partner on the international stage. To prevent further division and rebuild confidence in its democratic processes, the country’s leadership must address these challenges with precision and urgency. For Western allies, the crisis highlights the delicate equilibrium in a geopolitically sensitive region.
Georgia’s response in the coming weeks will be pivotal, shaping not only its internal stability but also its future trajectory—either solidifying ties with the West or risking a slide towards authoritarianism and closer alignment with Russian influence.
Image source: https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33212531.html
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