tbilisi: Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili has outrightly rejected the presidential elections. Elections are being held in the country on Saturday but Salome has announced on Friday itself that she does not accept the validity of the presidential election. This has created a political crisis, adn the country is already witnessing continuous violence and protests.
Zourabichvili highlighted at the press conference that for the first time in Georgian history, the president is going to be elected by a 300-member electoral college in the parliament. reiterating her intention to remain in office until new parliamentary elections are held,she said,”I am not leaving the office,I will stay here.” He has also rejected the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections and urged the government to hold new elections.
gave a strong message on ex
‘I am not leaving office because at this critical time the country needs legitimate institutions and representatives who are truly elected by the peopel,’ Salome wrote on Twitter. When those who believe in oppression realize that elections are the only way forward, I will be ready to organize them for peace, justice and a future. What has been planned in Parliament tomorrow is nothing but a parody.
Presidential elections in Georgia will be conducted by the electoral college starting in 2024 under constitutional amendments passed in 2017. Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papushvili has said that the elections will be held on 14 December. It was previously won by the Georgian Dream Party in the October elections with 53.93 percent of the vote. Zourabichvili and several parties are demonstrating to reject the results.
Political crisis in Georgia
Georgian politics has long been caught in a tug-of-war between Russia and the West.There are continuous protests taking place in the country. The Georgian Dream Party won the parliamentary elections held in October 2024,but strong demonstrations are taking place against it in the capital of Georgia,Tbilisi. Now the presidential election also seems to be in trouble.
How could the ongoing protests in Tbilisi effect Georgia’s relationship with Western allies and future elections?
Interview: The Political Crisis in Georgia and its Implications
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We are here with Dr. Nino Batiashvili, a political analyst and expert in Georgian affairs. Today, we will discuss the recent developments in Georgia, especially the rejection of the presidential election by President Salome Zourabichvili and the ongoing political crisis. Dr. Batiashvili, could you start by explaining the importance of President Zourabichvili’s rejection of the presidential election?
Dr.Batiashvili: Thank you for having me.President Zourabichvili’s outright rejection of the presidential elections is a critical moment in Georgia’s political landscape. For the frist time in history, the president will be elected by a 300-member electoral college in Parliament, a shift established by constitutional amendments in 2017. By declaring that she does not accept the validity of the elections, Zourabichvili has deepened the political crisis and fueled ongoing protests against the Georgian dream Party. Her insistence on remaining in office highlights the precarious state of legitimate governance in the country.
Editor: It seems her refusal to step down and call for new elections has sparked protests across tbilisi. What are the implications of this on the public’s trust in governmental institutions?
Dr. Batiashvili: The implications are meaningful. Zourabichvili’s actions and the ongoing demonstrations reveal a widespread dissatisfaction among the populace regarding perceived electoral injustices. When the president asserts that elections are “nothing but a parody,” it undermines public trust not just in the electoral process, but also in institutions that are supposed to represent the people’s will. As protests intensify, we may see a further erosion of faith in government, which can lead to instability. This is particularly alarming in light of Georgia’s past tug-of-war between Russian influence and Western aspirations.
Editor: Speaking of the parliamentary elections held in October,where the Georgian Dream Party won with 53.93% of the vote, what does this indicate about the current political climate in Georgia?
Dr. Batiashvili: The Georgian Dream Party’s recent electoral success indicates a fragmented opposition and suggests that a segment of the population still supports their agenda. however, the protests that have erupted post-election demonstrate a significant portion of society that feels disenfranchised. The political climate is charged, and while the party has claimed the majority, the evident public discontent could lead to further political turmoil if a solution is not found. It presents a clear challenge for the party to address these grievances while maintaining governance.
Editor: In light of these events, what practical advice would you give to citizens and political groups in Georgia?
Dr.Batiashvili: It is indeed essential for citizens to remain engaged and informed about their political rights. For civic groups, advocating for transparent and fair electoral processes is paramount. Encouraging dialog between opposing factions can foster a more peaceful resolution to current tensions.Simultaneously occurring, the government must address the root causes of public dissatisfaction and ensure legitimacy in all forthcoming elections. Only by prioritizing the voice of the people can the government hope to stabilize the situation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Batiashvili, for your insights. It is indeed clear that the political landscape in Georgia is undergoing significant change, and the actions of both the government and the citizens will shape its future.
Dr.Batiashvili: Thank you for having me. Engaging in open discussions and promoting democratic principles are crucial as Georgia navigates through this turbulent time.
Keywords: Georgia political crisis,Salome Zourabichvili,presidential elections,electoral college,Georgian Dream Party,public trust,protests in Tbilisi,political instability,civic engagement,democratic processes.