Ivanišvili’s ruling party won elections, but international observers cite widespread manipulation and authoritarian tactics against opposition.
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The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, has governed Georgia continuously since 2012. While officially positioning itself as preparing the country for EU entry, it is accused of suppressing opposition, undermining judicial independence, and aiding Russian entities in circumventing Western sanctions. Despite official results showing a decisive victory for this bloc, numerous international observers criticize the election process as irregular and manipulated. The opposition and President Salome Zurabishvili refuse to accept the outcome, calling the government illegitimate and planning street protests. Opposition leaders claim the elections were stolen through widespread fraud, while the president stated they would not recognize the results. Ivanishvili’s party is accused of using increasingly authoritarian tactics, such as passing a “foreign agent” law that restricts anti-corruption organizations, and intimidating political opponents and journalists. Experts note patterns similar to those seen in Hungary, describing the Georgian Dream as implementing a Kremlin playbook involving dismantling the rule of law and suppressing dissent. While observers anticipate significant protests following the election’s rejection by the opposition, analysts suggest mere demonstrations may not change the government’s course, though the opposition views its actions as a fight for democracy and Georgia’s sovereignty.
