Georgia’s ruling party cruises to victory amid vote-rigging accusations – POLITICO

A foreign election observer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak candidly with POLITICO, said there was a scuffle at another polling station near the country’s border with neighboring Azerbaijan. “We have witnessed ballot-stuffing attempts in which the perpetrators are identified, flee, and then wait for observers to leave before trying again,” the observer said. “Given the number of similar accusations coming from other polling stations, I am afraid international observers It’s a very difficult time “I accept that these elections were fair.”

The International Association for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), a Tbilisi-based NGO, made a statement. expression “Incidents and violations were recorded throughout the country during the voting process.” A tenth of election observers reported problems, including allegations that voters were bussed in by Georgian Dream coordinators.

At the same time, Georgian Dream accused opposition parties of “violations” and said police were investigating accusations that an opposition politician “slapped” one of the ruling party’s coordinators outside a polling station.

EU dreams

Georgia was granted candidate status by the EU in December, but its application to join the bloc was frozen following the adoption of a series of Russian-style laws restricting political rights and civil society. Georgian Dream in May forced through a bill Law effectively branding Western-backed NGOs, media outlets and human rights groups as “foreign agents” Banning all public references to the LGBTQ+ communityforcing broadcasters to censor content and banning Pride events.

Authorities used tear gas and batons to disperse protests related to the movement; Critics said it echoed tactics the Kremlin has used to suppress dissent in Russia, with organizers detained and beaten in custody. The United States imposed sanctions on Georgian Dream politicians and police officers for the intervention.

Kobakhidze said his government would move in August banning all opposition parties in parliamentIncluding the UNM, if the party retains power in the crucial election race. “The abolition of (Parliamentary) powers, logical continuation Declaring these parties illegal. “Criminal members of criminal political forces should not use their status as members of the Georgian parliament,” he said.

Responding to a question from POLITICO before the vote, UNM’s Bokuchava said he “will not consider the possibility” that the UNM will have to disband because he does not believe Georgian Dream will be “given the mandate” to govern the country. .

The opposition and experts are seen as responsible for Georgia’s rapid move away from the EU towards Russia. IvanishviliThe country’s richest man and founder of Georgian Dream, who wields significant personal control over the party, the judiciary and the state.