From Football to Politics: Georgia's New Presidential Candidate Faces Controversy
In a surprising political move, the ruling party of Georgia has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer, as its candidate for the presidency. This decision follows a contentious parliamentary election last month, which has ignited widespread protests across the country. Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former national team striker who has also played in the Premier League and the Swiss Super League, is all but guaranteed to win the electoral vote scheduled for December 14, given that it is controlled by the Georgian Dream party.
The party, having retained a majority in parliament during the October 26 election, is seen as a pivotal factor in Georgia's ongoing aspirations to join the European Union. However, these ambitions have been marred by allegations from opposition groups, who have claimed that the election results were manipulated, suggesting the influence of Russia in an effort to keep Georgia aligned with Moscow. The opposition parties have declared a boycott of the parliament, intensifying the political divide in the nation.
European election observers have reported a polarizing election atmosphere, citing instances of bribery, double voting, and even physical violence. In defiance of parliament's legitimacy, President Salome Zourabichvili, who has publicly rejected the official results, did not attend the opening session of the new parliament. Zourabichvili, elected by popular vote six years ago, is nearing the end of her term. Constitutional amendments have changed the once-popular method of public election to a more exclusive electoral college system, comprised of 300 members from parliament and local governing bodies.
With Georgian Dream holding the majority in this electoral college, Kavelashvili's ascent to the presidency appears imminent. Critics of the ruling party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, accuse it of steering the country towards authoritarianism and of fostering closer ties with Russia. Recent legislation has raised concerns about the erosion of rights, as new laws mimic those of the Kremlin, particularly regarding freedom of speech and LGBTQ rights.
The European Union has since suspended Georgia's EU membership application process after the parliament passed a law compelling organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, a tactic reminiscent of Russian legislation aimed at undermining dissent. Kavelashvili, himself a co-author of this controversial bill, has found his political career intertwined with these significant national issues.
In presenting Kavelashvili's candidacy, Ivanishvili praised his contributions to the political landscape, calling him a vital member of the Georgian Dream team committed to the nation’s sovereignty. Kavelashvili has echoed the sentiments of division within society, asserting that external forces have exacerbated the polarization and radicalization in the country. He has publicly accused Zourabichvili of breaching the constitution, pledging to restore the presidency to its rightful constitutional framework.
As Georgia navigates this challenging political landscape, the implications of Kavelashvili's candidacy and the ruling party's maneuvers will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the nation and its relationship with both the West and Russia.
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