Despair in Tbilisi as Georgian Dream Claims Election Victory Amidst Fraud Allegations

On Sunday, preliminary election results showed the ruling Georgian Dream party leading with 54.2%, amidst allegations of fraud from opposition parties. Leaders from the opposition condemned the election as stolen and vowed to protest, as independent observers criticized the process. The ruling party’s success has raised questions about Georgia’s political future, particularly its alignment with the West versus Russia, amidst growing divisions among the populace.

On Sunday, the streets of Tbilisi were filled with a palpable sense of despair as preliminary results emerged, revealing a significant lead for the ruling Georgian Dream party in the elections held the previous day. With 99% of precincts reporting, Georgian Dream obtained 54.2% of the vote, thus consolidating its hold on a nation deeply divided over its political direction. Leaders of opposition parties have decried the vote as fraudulent, labeling it a referendum on whether Georgia should pursue closer ties with the West or align more closely with Russia. In the initial tally, the opposition parties found themselves unable to mount a substantial challenge: the Coalition for Changes garnered 10.8%, Unity-National Movement received 10%, Strong Georgia achieved 8.7%, and Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia party amassed 7.7%. As exit polls were released, both the ruling party and the opposition initially claimed victory; however, the final results overwhelmingly favored Georgian Dream, which has now secured its fourth term, surpassing its previous electoral performance. “Such cases are rare worldwide, where the same party achieves such success under challenging circumstances,” stated Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch who is perceived as the true power behind Georgian Dream. Subsequently, international figures such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban extended their congratulations to the Georgian Dream party. Margarita Simonian, the editor-in-chief of the Russian state-controlled broadcaster RT, commented on Telegram: “Georgians won, well done.” Opposition leaders expressed their discontent vehemently. Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the Coalition for Changes, called the election “theft” and a “constitutional coup,” promising that Georgian Dream would face consequences according to Georgian law for their actions. Gvaramia claimed that his coalition had uncovered a complex scheme used to manipulate the election results. Elene Khoshtaria, a prominent figure in the Coalition for Changes, pledged to initiate coordinated protests in response to the election results, affirming their determination not to accept what they consider stolen votes. Unity-National Movement also echoed the sentiment, with leader Tina Bokuchava stating, “Oligarch Ivanishvili stole the victory from the Georgian people and thereby stole the European future.” Independent observers voiced their concerns as well, with Londa Toloraia from the NGO coalition “My Voice” asserting, “Based on analysis of the pre-election environment, widespread manipulation on election day, and unprecedented pressure on voters, we believe that the preliminary results released by the CEC do not reflect the true will of Georgian citizens.” Analysts have indicated that the ruling party’s apparent success stemmed from both its own strategic advantages and the opposition’s shortcomings, including internal strife, incoherent policy approaches, and a failure to present a unified front against Georgian Dream’s dominance. Levan Ramishvili, an associate professor at the Free University of Tbilisi, contended that the opposition’s reliance on the hope that the regime would collapse on its own or that Western intervention would favor their cause had led to a lack of meaningful campaigning, noting that they conducted fewer events than in prior elections. Further complicating the landscape was the West’s ambiguous stance, alternating between issuing sanctions and bestowing EU candidate status. Leading into the elections, both the United States and the European Union raised alarms regarding the perceived drift from democratic norms and the strengthening ties with Russia. Giorgi Kandelaki, a project manager at the Soviet Past Research Laboratory, criticized the legitimacy of the reported results, stating, “The picture is very clear now — despite pressure, intimidation, violence and vote-buying…the international community cannot possibly agree that this is fair and square.” As discontent brewed, residents questioned the legitimacy of Georgian Dream’s victory. Citizens expressed confusion over the outcomes, with statements such as, “Nobody around me voted for them. How did they get a million votes?” illustrating their skepticism. Georgian Dream’s support base predominantly includes vulnerable populations, such as public sector employees and social assistance beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas. This demographic often fears losing benefits if the ruling party were to lose power. Ramishvili decried the fairness of the election process, stating, “The election that was held was neither fair nor free…Georgian Dream has built a powerful electoral machine that relies heavily on bribery, intimidation of vulnerable voters, and fear of war.” The ruling party’s coalition extends to various political factions and the influential Georgian Orthodox Church, which has historically bolstered its support among religious voters. Rusudan, a middle-aged voter, recounted how her priest urged congregants from the pulpit to vote for Georgian Dream, warning that those who voted for the opposition would lose the right to communion. This narrative positioned the election as a choice between stability and risk, resonating powerfully in a nation scarred by previous conflicts with Russia. The opposition, meanwhile, framed the election as a crucial moment in resisting Russian influence amidst rising aggression from the North. As the results finalize, uncertainty looms over Georgia, with a growing divide marking its political landscape. Although Georgian Dream celebrates its electoral success, younger urban voters increasingly express feelings of disenchantment and trepidation regarding the future of their nation.

The article discusses the aftermath of the recent elections in Georgia, where the ruling Georgian Dream party appears to have won decisively, amidst accusations of electoral fraud by opposition parties. The elections are viewed as pivotal for Georgia’s political trajectory, determining the country’s alignment between Western integration and closer ties to Russia. This context is critical to understanding the deep political divisions in Georgia and the responses from both the ruling party and the opposition following the elections.

In conclusion, the recent electoral results in Georgia have underscored a complex political landscape, marked by allegations of fraud, deep divisions among the populace, and an uncertain future. The ruling Georgian Dream party’s apparent success has led to widespread protests and accusations from opposition parties, as they question the legitimacy of the results. As protests begin, the internal conflict reflects not only the division between party lines but also the broader struggle for Georgia’s identity and international alignment. The unfolding events will likely shape the country’s trajectory in the coming weeks and years.

Original Source: www.voanews.com