Georgia’s Uncontested Presidential Election Fuels Political Crisis
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Georgia is on the brink. This weekend, the country will install a new president, but not through a democratic process. Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer, is the sole candidate, handpicked by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. Opposition parties, citing concerns about a rigged October parliamentary election, are boycotting the vote, leaving Kavelashvili’s election a mere formality decided by an electoral college.
This indirect election, mandated by a 2017 GD-backed law, underscores the escalating political crisis gripping the nation. Pro-EU opposition groups are staging widespread protests against the GD government, accusing it of increasingly authoritarian tactics and undermining Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union. The government’s recent decision to halt EU accession talks until 2028 has further inflamed tensions.
The protests have been met with a forceful response.Over 400 people have been arrested, and clashes between police and demonstrators have resulted in injuries on both sides. the Georgian Interior Ministry reported over 150 injured police officers, while independent journalists covering the protests have also faced attacks from masked individuals. This crackdown on dissent mirrors tactics employed by authoritarian regimes, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
opposition leader Levan Tsutskiridze of the Strong Georgia coalition voiced grave concerns, stating, “Georgia cannot survive as an independent political nation if it becomes part of Russia again, formally or informally.” He described the mood among protesters as one of “defiance and persistence,” emphasizing their determination to prevent the government from “killing Georgian democracy and changing our foreign policy direction.”
The October parliamentary election,which saw the GD party claim a landslide victory exceeding independent poll predictions,remains a major point of contention. Opposition parties allege widespread fraud and voter intimidation, claims echoed by the European Union, which called for an inquiry into voting irregularities. The European Parliament even called for a re-run of the election. However, the GD government insists the election was fair and dismisses all accusations.
The GD’s actions extend beyond the disputed election. In recent years, the party has intensified its anti-western rhetoric and implemented policies seen as illiberal, including a law banning same-sex marriage and adoption. Critics argue that the government is tightening its grip on regulatory institutions, further eroding democratic checks and balances. The situation in Georgia serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of international observation and support for countries striving for a more democratic future.
Georgia’s Political crisis Deepens Amidst Protests and US Sanctions
Georgia is embroiled in a deepening political crisis, fueled by ongoing pro-European Union protests and escalating international pressure. The United States has imposed visa restrictions on twenty Georgian government officials, citing their role in undermining democratic processes. This action follows weeks of demonstrations sparked by controversial legislation and a contentious presidential election.
The protests, largely composed of pro-EU supporters, began after the Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, pushed through a law requiring organizations receiving significant foreign funding to register as agents of foreign influence.This move, reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia, has been widely condemned as an attack on civil society.
Adding to the turmoil, the recent indirect presidential election saw Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former member of the Georgian Dream party who later joined a more hardline, anti-Western group, elected as the sole candidate. Incumbent president Salome Zourabichvili has refused to recognize the election, further escalating the constitutional crisis.she has actively participated in the protests, lending her support to the opposition.
The European Union is also considering targeted sanctions against the georgian government. This international pressure underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for Georgia’s relationship with the West. The US State Department’s statement explicitly linked the visa restrictions to the erosion of democratic norms within the country.
Giorgi Tsutskiridze,a key figure in the opposition,offered a measured assessment of the ongoing protests: “I think everyone realises this is not going to be a short fight,” he said. “It’s not going to end tommorow, but I think people are realistic and the spirit is there which is most vital.”
While opposition parties don’t necessarily oppose the electoral college system itself,they argue its legitimacy hinges on a fair and representative parliament and regional authorities – a condition they believe is currently lacking under the Georgian Dream’s rule. Despite the reduced powers of the Georgian presidency, the office still holds significant international representation, making the ongoing dispute even more critical.
Professor Hans Gutbrod of Tbilisi’s Ilia State University described the situation as “one of the most profound crises” in Georgia’s recent history,expressing concern about the Georgian Dream’s ability to effectively govern and address the country’s economic,health,and education challenges. The new president is set to be sworn in on December 29th, but President Zourabichvili’s refusal to step down promises a further escalation of the constitutional crisis.
The protests, while significant, have not yet escalated into a prolonged occupation of government buildings, unlike the maidan protests in Ukraine. However, the determination of pro-EU protestors to continue their demonstrations throughout the cold winter months signals a protracted struggle for Georgia’s future.
Georgia’s Uncontested Election: A Conversation with Eurasian expert Dr. Maia Chikovani
The former Soviet Republic of Georgia is on the brink of a political crisis sparked by an uncontested presidential election and ongoing protests.摄影旁白,a specialist in Eurasian politics with extensive experience covering the Caucasus region,sheds light on this evolving situation.
World Today News: Dr.Chikovani,thank you for joining us. Can you explain the underlying tensions leading to this political turmoil in Georgia?
dr. Chikovani: Certainly. Georgia is experiencing a perfect storm of political and societal issues. The recent controversy stems from the upcoming presidential election, where Mikheil Kavelashvili, the sole candidate endorsed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, is set to win by default due to opposition boycotts. This stems from a deeper dissatisfaction with the government’s direction, notably its perceived authoritarian drift and strained relationship with the European Union.
World Today News: Could you elaborate on the reasons behind the opposition’s boycott?
Dr. Chikovani: The opposition parties are protesting against what they see as a rigged parliamentary election in October.
They accuse the Georgian Dream of using intimidation tactics and manipulating the electoral process, claims that have also been raised by international observers. The EU has called for an inquiry into voting irregularities, but the Georgian Dream rejects these allegations outright. This lack of trust has led the opposition to boycott the presidential election, deeming it a pointless formality.
World Today News: How are ordinary Georgians reacting to these events?
Dr. Chikovani: We are witnessing widespread protests across the country, especially in the capital, tbilisi. protesters are demanding democratic reforms,a fairer electoral system,and closer ties to the EU. Many fear that Georgia is slipping back into authoritarianism under the Georgian Dream party and see these protests as a last stand for democratic values.
World Today News: What is the role of the international community, particularly the EU and the United States, in this situation?
Dr. Chikovani: The international community is facing a delicate balancing act. On one hand,they need to express their concerns about the democratic backsliding in Georgia.
The recent US visa sanctions against twenty Georgian officials,for example,are a clear indication of growing discontent.
Conversely, they need to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions or be perceived as interference in Georgia’s internal affairs.
Finding this balance will be crucial in encouraging a peaceful and democratic resolution to this crisis.
World Today News: Looking ahead, what are the potential scenarios for Georgia’s near future?
Dr. Chikovani: The situation remains highly volatile. If the georgian Dream government continues its crackdown on dissent and ignores the demands of the opposition, the protests are likely to escalate, potentially leading to further instability. However, if the government shows willingness to engage in meaningful dialog and implement genuine reforms, there is still a chance to de-escalate the crisis and steer the country back towards a more democratic path.
World Today News: Dr.Chikovani, thank you for sharing your insights on this complex situation.
Dr. Chikovani: You’re welcome. It’s a critical time for Georgia,and the world is watching closely.
