The ruling “Georgian Dream” party has increasingly adopted authoritarian measures, enacting laws similar to those in Russia that restrict freedom of speech. Following the passage of one such law earlier this year, Brussels halted Georgia’s EU membership process.
As the results of Saturday’s parliamentary election came in, the ruling party emerged as the frontrunner in a vote critical to the country’s future in Europe. Leaders and supporters of Georgian Dream began celebrating in Tbilisi on Saturday evening.
According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), Georgian Dream secured 52.99% of the vote, though the announcement was preliminary, with most votes counted but not all ballots or votes from Georgians abroad included.
If Georgian Dream retains a parliamentary majority, it could raise concerns about the country’s EU ambitions, which were suspended earlier this year due to the government’s crackdown on free speech.
The opposition has contested the election results. “We do not accept these falsified election results,” stated Tina Bokuchava, leader of the opposition party United National Movement, part of the Unity National Movement coalition.
The opposition rejected the outcome after officials declared that the ruling party was leading in a crucial election that could determine whether Georgia aligns more closely with the West or reverts to Russia’s influence. Georgian Dream faced off against four main opposition groups, who announced their own victory shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. local time (1600 GMT).
