Georgian Dream Secures Victory in Contested Parliamentary Elections
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, was announced as the victor in the parliamentary elections with 54.08% of the votes. Pro-Western opposition parties accused the elections of being fraudulent and “stolen.” The outcome grants Georgian Dream 91 seats in parliament, a solid majority but not enough for a constitutional majority to restrict opposition. Opposition leaders have vowed to contest the results.
The central election commission of Georgia announced on Sunday that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, secured victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The results indicated that Georgian Dream received 54.08 percent of the votes, while a coalition of pro-Western opposition parties, consisting of four alliances, obtained 37.58 percent. Despite this victory, opposition factions have vehemently rejected the outcome, alleging that the election was marred by fraud and manipulation. Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the chair of the central election commission, confirmed that the elections were conducted in a “calm and free environment,” but this assertion has been contested by opposition leaders. Tina Bokuchava, who leads the United National Movement (UNM), characterized the election results as “falsified” and declared that the election was “stolen,” emphasizing that it is an attempt to jeopardize Georgia’s future. Nika Gvaramia, head of the Akhali party, condemned the conduct of the vote as a “constitutional coup,” vowing that Georgian Dream would not remain in power. Georgian Dream has maintained governance since 2012 and initially projected a liberal and pro-Western policy. However, over the past two years, the party has shifted its stance, launching a campaign focused on a narrative suggesting a “global war party” is attempting to entangle Georgia in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The election results will assign Georgian Dream 91 seats in the 150-member parliament, providing them with governance capabilities despite not achieving the 113-seat constitutional majority needed to implement a ban on most opposition parties. Following the election, observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are set to deliver preliminary assessments regarding the election process.
The recent parliamentary elections in Georgia represent a critical event in the nation’s political landscape, as the country aspires toward European Union membership. The elections were viewed not only as a measure of public support for the current ruling party, Georgian Dream, but also as a significant test of democratic practices within the region. The backdrop includes tensions between the government and various opposition parties that advocate for a pro-European and democratic path for Georgia. The ruling party’s shift from a pro-Western approach to an alternative narrative highlighting external threats has raised concerns about the future of political plurality and civic freedom in Georgia.
In summary, the parliamentary elections resulted in a declared victory for Georgian Dream, despite significant opposition claims of electoral fraud. The situation underscores the polarized nature of Georgian politics and raises pertinent questions regarding democratic integrity as the nation navigates its ambitions for European integration amidst internal dissent.
Original Source: www.france24.com
