Georgian Elections Shock: Kremlin-Backed Party Claims Triumph

Source: Author’s Facebook page

Georgia erupts in unrest: pro-Kremlin Georgian Dream claims victory amid mass protests and controversy.

It is clear that “Georgian Dream” won across the board — eight major opposition parties boycotted the elections, calling them a “farce” and a “Russian special operation to legitimize power.” Students, returning emigrants, bikers, and car convoys from the regions gathered to protest.

The event is organized by opera singer Paata Burchuladze, founder of the Rustaveli Avenue platform. Protesters carried national flags, US and EU symbols, posters with anti-government slogans, and photos of imprisoned opposition activists, politicians, and journalists, occasionally chanting “Revolution.”

Special forces have been deployed in the parliament courtyard since dawn, and mobile communication difficulties have been reported in the government quarter. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that police forces have been mobilized across Tbilisi in connection with the opposition rally.

As I noted in October 2024, during the parliamentary elections, if Georgians do not stop this themselves — as decisively as Ukrainians did — the situation will only worsen.

We are already seeing all the signs of regression: parties are being banned, engagement with civil society is rapidly sliding into harsh authoritarianism, activists are being jailed, and the risk of lethal repression is growing.

Judging by the government’s reaction to the protests, the pro‑Kremlin ruling team understands that it will not be allowed to relinquish power peacefully. As a result, Ivanishvili’s group is likely to fight to retain control — and Russia will back them.

Recall that on October 4, local elections were held in Georgia. Eight opposition parties in Georgia announced in July that they would not participate in the municipal elections in October. Protests were held in Georgia due to the disputed results of the municipal elections. They soon escalated into clashes with the police, after which people were dispersed with water cannons. Participants in anti-government demonstrations also began an assault on the presidential palace. Some managed to break into the courtyard. There are detainees. Security forces used pepper spray.

Later, the Central Election Commission of Georgia announced the victory of the leading pro-Russian party “Georgian Dream” in the local elections, amid protests. According to the CEC, candidates from this political force won in all cities and municipalities, including Tbilisi. In 26 municipalities, the candidates of the leading party had no rivals. A significant part of the pro-Western opposition boycotted the vote.

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