European and Euro-Atlantic integration is a unifying vision for Georgia, representing their shared aspiration to return to our civilisational home and fulfil the dreams of a democratic, free future. However, this path is being undermined by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which maintains power through authoritarian control and election manipulation, write ALDE Party leaders from Georgia.
This article was originally published in ALDE Party's Liberal Bulletin in December 2024. Click here to read the full publication.
Recent events illustrate the anti-democratic of Georgian Dream approach starkly. The 26 October elections, pivotal for Georgia’s European trajectory, were marred by outright rigging. Independent exit polls, credible reports and statistical analyses reveal severe manipulation: voters faced compromised ballot secrecy, fraudulent identification practices and identity theft.
The ruling party filled election commissions with loyalists, obstructed genuine observers and allowed unauthorised video surveillance to intimidate voters. This election did not merely represent a local power struggle; it mirrored Russian-style tactics – subverting Georgia’s democratic will. Even Georgia’s President described it as a “Russian conquest.”
Following the elections, pro-European and democratic parties refuse to recognise the legitimacy of elections marred by pervasive fraud and constitutional violations. Under no circumstances will these parties enter the parliament formed from these illegitimate results.
The disturbing parallels extend to laws influenced by Russia, particularly the Foreign Agents Law, which undermines our critical civic organisations and fosters an atmosphere of intimidation. Following its implementation, we’ve seen increased human rights abuses, limits on freedom of assembly, press censorship and targeted persecution of activists, politicians and journalists.
Nevertheless, Georgian society remains resilient. When the Foreign Agents Law took force, thousands mobilised in unprecedented protests. This tenacity continues as Georgians focus on securing free elections and unseating Georgian Dream. Acting independently, President Salome Zourabichvili introduced the Georgian Charter – a reform agenda advocating for judicial, security and electoral overhauls. Through these efforts, the opposition united into four main pro-European alliances to contest the ruling party.
Despite these endeavours, the current regime blatantly rigged the election. The opposition's path to a European future now reaches a critical juncture, and decisive action is needed from the international community. The EU, long cherished as a defender of democracy in Georgia, holds its standing by their response to these injustices. We urge the EU to refuse acknowledgment of this fraudulent election, suspending all formal communications with the existing government until credible, free elections are conducted.
Additionally, the EU must extend targeted support to pro-Western opposition groups, collectively holding over 50% of the vote. The EU's imposition of sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and other high-level officials involved in election misconduct, alongside the rechannelling of funds to Georgian NGOs and the independent media, represent necessary steps. The EU must reinforce that accession talks to the European Union will proceed only following truly democratic elections.
Our demands are unequivocal: new elections under international oversight. This is not just a battle – it's a disciplined, enduring pursuit for our democratic future. With unwavering support both domestically and internationally, Georgia will reclaim its democratic rights.
ALDE Party members in Georgia
Republican Party of Georgia
Strategy Aghmashenebeli
Droa!
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Lelo for Georgia