Georgia Faces Political Turmoil as Opposition Boycotts Illegitimate Presidential Election
In a historic turn of events for Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer with pro-Russian affiliations, has been elected president under controversial circumstances that have drawn significant criticism both domestically and internationally. Unlike traditional democratic processes, Kavelashvili's election on December 14, 2023, marks the first instance where the head of state was not chosen through direct universal vote but instead by a college of electors dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Kavelashvili, 53, was selected with an overwhelming 224 votes out of 225, amidst a parliamentary boycott orchestrated by opposition parties who deemed the election illegitimate. His ascent to the presidency is particularly contentious, given his history of inflammatory and anti-Western rhetoric. He is set to assume office on December 29, succeeding the current pro-European President Salome Zourabishvili, who has publicly contested the legitimacy of both Kavelashvili’s election and the parliamentary results that awarded Georgian Dream a fourth term.
Zourabishvili, 72, a former French diplomat, has vowed not to resign until fresh parliamentary elections occur, asserting that the October 26 vote was marred by apparent rigging and external influence, specifically from Russia. In an interview with Le Monde earlier this month, she stated, "The handover on December 29... is only valid if it’s a legitimate president. As long as this is not the case, I remain the only source of legitimacy and continuity in this country."
The current political climate is increasingly tense, with the Georgian Parliament intensifying efforts to diminish Zourabishvili's authority. Recently, they passed a significant package of laws in its third reading aimed at stripping her of state protection once her mandate concludes. This development further complicates the political landscape and potentially undermines the stability of the government.
As the country braces for Kavelashvili's presidency, the opposition's refusal to recognize the process has significant implications for Georgia's democratic future. The legitimacy of his election—tainted by accusations of manipulation and lack of a solid electoral foundation—casts a shadow on Georgia's aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration. Critics fear that his leadership could lead to a regression in civil rights and distancing from Western alliances, as Kavelashvili's political stance seems poised to favor closer ties with Russia.
The unfolding saga is a testament to the fraught state of Georgia's democracy, where the echoes of its Soviet past loom large, and the struggle for a genuinely representative political system continues to be a pressing challenge. As Zourabishvili seeks to assert her legitimacy amid these turbulent times, the Georgian populace is left to grapple with uncertainty about their political trajectory and the broader implications for regional stability.
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