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2024 Georgian parliamentary election

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2024 Georgian parliamentary election
Georgia (country)
← 2020 26 October 2024 2028 →
All 150 seats in Parliament
76 seats needed for a majority
Party Leader Current seats
Georgian Dream Irakli Garibashvili 74
UNM Tinatin Bokuchava 20
People's Power Sozar Subari 9
For Georgia Giorgi Gakharia 5
Girchi Iago Khvichia 4
European Socialists Fridon Injia 4
State for the People Nika Machutadze 3
Progress and Freedom Kakha Okriashvili 3
Lelo Mamuka Khazaradze 2
Strategy Builder Giorgi Vashadze 2
Citizens Aleko Elisashvili 2
NDP Bachuki Kardava 1
VG Gubaz Sanikidze 1
Republican Khatuna Samnidze 1
Law and Justice Tako Charkviani 1
Independents – 9
Incumbent Prime Minister
Irakli Kobakhidze
Georgian Dream
Politics of Georgia
Constitution
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Local government
Administrative divisions
Election Administration
Foreign relations
Related topics
flag Georgia portal

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024.[1][2]

Background

[edit]

Political context

[edit]
Main article: 2023–2024 Georgian protests

By the time of the elections, Georgian Dream had been the ruling party in Georgia since defeating Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM) in the 2012 parliamentary election. Announcing its plans to pursue a policy of joining the European Union and NATO, Georgian Dream has also professed a more conciliatory approach towards Russia compared to its anti-Russian opponents.[3]

However, the geopolitical strains of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict made it more difficult to maintain a balancing act, amid statements from Ukrainian politicians that Georgia would have "greatly aided" Ukraine by opening a "second front" against Russia[4] and Western efforts to isolate Russia with international sanctions.[citation needed]

Protesters in Tbilisi condemn the Georgian government's insufficient support for Ukraine.

The Georgian government condemned Russian actions and provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but did not join the sanctions against Russia, which allowed an influx of Russian capital and highly skilled Russians dodging military mobilization. Russia, in turn, did not approve the proposal of Georgia's breakaway de facto South Ossetian republic to hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation[5] and, despite otherwise hostile relations, has not put Georgia on its unfriendly countries list.[6]

On February 25, 2022, large protests took place in front of the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi, lasting for six consecutive days to show solidarity with Ukraine. The demonstration took on an anti-government tone, reflecting growing frustration with the Georgian authorities' perceived inadequate response to Russian invasion.[7][8][9]

Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa party, addressed the crowd, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his administration. She called for immediate and effective actions to support Ukraine and urged Georgia to apply for EU membership.[citation needed]

The rally also underscored dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the crisis. Protesters were angered by obstacles created for volunteers and the government's refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia.[10] On February 28, Georgian authorities had blocked a Ukrainian plane carrying 30 Georgian volunteers from landing in Tbilisi.[11] The Georgian Dream leader Mamuka Mdinaradze said that Georgia could not allow to send volunteers to Ukraine because Georgia was in vulnerable position and it would risk a war with Russia. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decided to recall Ukraine’s ambassador to Georgia.[12] Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had also announced that Georgia would not join Western sanctions against Russia because it would harm the Georgian economy more than it would hurt Russia, fueling the rising anti-government sentiment in the protests.[13]

Following this, in June 2022, the European Union refused to approve Georgia's application to join the union, citing an alleged media censorship and the government's refusal to join the international sanctions against Russia.[14] This led to mobilization by the opposition against the government.[15] In turn, a sovereignist faction People’s Power broke away from Georgian Dream in August 2022, and proposed legislation to regulate foreign influence by creating a special registry to monitor politically active foreign-funded organizations, many of which are Western-funded.[16][17] While the government claimed that the bill was necessary for public disclosure and transparency, the opposition, aided by the statements of Western embassies and politicians, managed to mobilize protests to tackle the bill, likening it to Russian foreign agent law and saying that it would have jeopardized Euro-Atlantic integration, ultimately leading to the parliament withdrawing the bill.[18]

A banner reads "Yes to Europe" in bold letters

On 8 March 2023, tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the Parliament, demanding a halt to further discussions on the law. Opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze issued an ultimatum, calling for the rejection of the bills and the release of those detained during the protests.

Amid protests in Tbilisi, Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, cautioning against the violent change of power in Georgia,[19] with some Russian politicians suggesting Russia might use military means in case of "instability on the Russian border". In September 2023, the State Security Service of Georgia claimed to have uncovered plans of the opposition and the Western-funded groups to stage a coup in Georgia with the support of Ukraine-based Georgian oppositionist politicians.[20][21] This in turn led to the pro-Russian Georgian opposition Conservative Movement party and the TV channel Alt-Info starting to mobilize an "Anti-Maidan movement" to counter the alleged coup.[22]

However, in December 2023, the European Union decided to grant Georgia candidate status following the release from prison of oppositionist journalist Nika Gvaramia, who had been arrested on charges of abuse of power and embezzlement, and the parliament's decision to turn down impeachment proceedings against the pro-opposition president Salome Zourabichvili.[23][24][25] In late December 2023, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili summarized the year by saying that the government had managed to "preserve the peace" amid the threat of destabilization caused by "radical groups and hostile forces operating within the country",[26] and also to secure EU candidate status for Georgia.[27]

Hundreds of protesters obstructing traffic at Heroes Square

In early 2024, Georgia again experienced significant political crisis and public unrest due to the reintroduction of the "foreign agent" law, which many citizens perceived as a threat to civil liberties and democratic principles. The leader of parliamentary majority Mamuka Mdinaradze said that the reason for reintroduction of the bill was the continued circulation of slush funds in the country through non-governmental organizations and covert foreign financing of political activities.[28] On 8 April, the Bureau of Parliament of Georgia registered the bill for the parliamentary discussions.[29] Critics said that the law, requiring organizations and individuals receiving foreign funding to register as "organizations carrying the interests of a foreign power," was a measure to stifle dissent and limit the activities of NGOs and independent media. Protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators calling for the repeal of the law and the "protection of democratic freedoms". The government's response to the protests varied, with some efforts to engage in dialogue, while many instances of police violence were reported.[30][31][32]

The widespread opposition to the law underscored deep-seated concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in Georgia. Protesters and other critics, including the European Union and other Western countries, spoke out against the bill, arguing that it would stifle democracy and freedom of the press in Georgia and comparing it to the Russian foreign agent law.[33] Proponents of the bill denied this characterization, claiming it would ensure transparency of foreign funding and protect Georgia's sovereignty from malign foreign influence. People's Power has argued that the law would protect democracy and sovereignty of Georgia from foreign interference through financing of NGOs with a goal of promotion of foreign agenda.[34][35]

Georgian Charter

[edit]

On 26 May 2024, In response to the 2023–2024 Georgian protests, President Salome Zourabichvili introduced the Georgian Charter, an action plan aimed at "fostering unity among opposition parties ahead of the parliamentary elections". The Charter, announced during Georgia's Independence Day celebrations, seeks to create a platform for the opposition to present a unified stance. Zourabichvili's proposal emphasizes a new electoral format where voters will choose between the ruling party and a coalition of opposition parties. The plan includes forming a temporary government post-elections to implement key reforms intended to "enhance democratic processes and align Georgia more closely with European standards", after which new elections will be held. The Charter's main goals include repealing laws that the opposition considers as hindrances to European integration and undertaking significant judicial and electoral reforms to ensure "a fair and democratic process".[36][37][38]

The president emphasized that the October parliamentary elections should focus on the question of "what direction the country should take rather than which individuals or parties should be elected". She stated that the 2024 elections will effectively act as a referendum on whether Georgia seeks closer integration with Europe.[39]

Signatories of the Georgian Charter

So far 17 political parties from the opposition, including: UNM, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Ahali, Lelo, European Georgia, Girchi – More Freedom, Droa, Citizens, For the People, the Republican Party, the Greens Party of Georgia, For Justice, European Democrats, Law and Justice, Tavisupleba, State for the People and the National Democratic Party, as well as 5 individual MPs have signed the Georgian Charter presented by the president.[40][41][42]

Some opposition parties refused to sign the agreement. Girchi has praised the president Salome Zourabichvili's initiative 'Georgian Charter' for attempting to bring opposition together, nevertheless, they criticized her for not taking their opinions into consideration and refused to sign it.[43][44] For Georgia party also did not join the agreement, saying that they supported the reforms outlined the charter, however, they said that talking about forming a temporary government post-elections was damaging to the pre-election process.[45]

MEGOBARI Act

[edit]
See also: Georgia–United States relations

On July 11, 2024, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed the MEGOBARI Act (Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act)[46] with a vote of 41 to 6. Initiated by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, the Act—named after the Georgian word for "friend" (Georgian: მეგობარი, romanized: megobari)—addresses "democratic and human rights issues in Georgia" and outlines specific measures for support and oversight. The MEGOBARI Act emphasizes "the U.S. commitment to upholding democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law" in Georgia. It acknowledges the progress made by Georgian civil society and stresses the need to "strengthen democracy for regional stability and U.S. interests".[47]

The Act responds to recent "democratic backsliding" by calling for increased scrutiny of the Georgian government's actions, particularly "its ties to Russia and other authoritarian regimes".[48] To ensure accountability, the Act mandates several reports on issues such as "corrupt practices that support Russian interests and evade sanctions, Russian intelligence activities, and potential Chinese cooperation". It also includes sanctions and travel bans on "individuals undermining Georgian democracy". A Democracy Monitoring Task Force will be established to "oversee democratic practices", especially during elections, to "ensure fairness".[49] Should "significant democratic progress be confirmed", the MEGOBARI Act provides for additional U.S. assistance, including a more preferential trade agreement with Georgia, enhanced people-to-people exchanges and visa simplification, an economic modernization package, and security and defense support against Russian aggression.[50]

The Act received strong bipartisan support, with committee members highlighting its importance for "supporting Georgia's democratic aspirations and countering Russian influence".[51][52][53] Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced visa restrictions for those "undermining Georgian democracy", further demonstrating U.S. commitment.[54][55]

Georgian opposition representatives have expressed their gratitude to Congressman Wilson for his support, praising the Act’s focus on Georgia’s sovereignty, democracy, and Euro-Atlantic integration. They urged Congress and the Senate to pass the legislation quickly and requested additional resources and congressional visits to monitor the October parliamentary elections, given the critical nature of this support.[56][57] Conversely, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized the MEGOBARI Act, labeling it as blackmail. He argued that the Act could harm Georgia-U.S. relations and criticized the approach of using sanctions and threats. Instead, he called for more constructive and pragmatic discussions to improve bilateral relations.[58][59] The ruling Georgian Dream party issued a statement, saying that the MEGOBARI Act constituted a "blackmail, intimidation" against the independent Georgian policy and "especially cynical" in the light on Georgian celebration of Independence Day two days before. The party condemned the threat of sanctions against legislators for "voting in favour of a law" and added that this was against the spirit of cooperation between sovereign nations. The party rejected the possibility of following the MEGOBARI Act, saying tha tat "we do not intend to trade on our country’s sovereignty and security, and no blackmail whatsoever can force us to go against our country".[60]

Parties

[edit]

The ruling Georgian Dream party will seek a fourth term in office.[61]

In January 2023, Levan Khabeishvili unseated Nika Melia from the position of United National Movement chairman after winning internal party elections. Accusing Khabeishvili of being a protégé of shadowy businessman Davit Kezerashvili, Melia announced a break with the UNM and plans for his own party in December 2023.[62] On 8 June 2024, Tinatin Bokuchava became chair of the United National Movement, succeeding Khabeishvili, who resigned due to health complications.[63]

On 20 July 2023, the United National Movement, the largest opposition party, announced an alliance with Strategy Aghmashenebeli of Giorgi Vashadze.[64] According to Khabeishvili, the coalition, named Victory Platform, will center around former president Mikheil Saakashvili. Imprisoned on charges of abuse of power and violence, Saakashvili will lead his party in the election from prison.[65]

On 30 December 2023, Bidzina Ivanishvili, an influential businessman and a founder of Georgian Dream, announced his return to politics as honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, suggesting he would play an active role in the election campaign.[66]

On 8 February 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze was confirmed by the parliament as the new Prime Minister of Georgia from the ruling Georgian Dream party.[67]

In March 2024, the People's Power movement was registered as a political party, and is expected to participate in the election.[68]

On 11 April, the Public Registry revoked the registration of the extreme right Conservative Movement party, banning it from participating in the election. In June 2024, it was announced that the party would merge with the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia and run together in the election.[69][70]

On 8 July, the Chair of the United National Movement, Tina Bokuchava, announced a new political platform named "Unity – to Save Georgia". This platform aims to bring together the United National Movement, Strategy Agmashenebeli — two parties that have been in coalition for a year already — as well as representatives from other parties, civil society, and academia. The new platform will use the UNM ballot number 5 in the upcoming elections.[71]

On 9 July, three opposition parties, Ahali, Girchi - More Freedom, and Droa, announced their decision to post a joint election list for the Parliamentary elections in October. The leaders mentioned that an expected alliance with another party, Lelo, did not materialize due to "minor differences".[72] Subsequently, this alliance was renamed to "Coalition for Change".[73] On August 18, the Republican Party and the youth organization of Georgian Azerbaijanis "Activists for the Future" joined the coalition.[74][75]

On July 16, Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, announced during his speech at the opening of the election campaign and the new central office of Georgian Dream that People's Power will participate in the parliamentary elections with a common list alongside the ruling Georgian Dream party.[76][77]

On July 17, Lelo for Georgia, For the People, and the political movement Freedom Square announced their unification under a single electoral list for the upcoming elections.[78] Subsequently, this alliance was renamed to "Strong Georgia". Later in August, the Citizens party also joined the alliance.[79]

On August 1, a majority of the European Georgia electoral list, chosen during the party’s internal primary election, left the party, including key figures Giga Bokeria and Tamar Chergoleishvili. The split arose from disagreements with other key figures, Gigi Tsereteli and Akaki Bobokhidze over the primary results.[80][81] Later, on August 15, the members who left European Georgia formally established a new party called the "Federalists".[82][83] 2 days later European Georgia, in an announcement with the Unity coalition, announced that it would be running on a joint list with the UNM and Strategy Aghmashenebeli.[84]

On August 12, The Leader of the Anti-Occupation movement "Strength is in Unity",[85][86] Davit Katsarava, who during the spring protests was violently beaten by law enforcement,[87][88] announced the founding of a new political party called “Chven” (Meaning "Us" in Georgian), as an alternative to the existing political forces in the country, but did not disclose specific details regarding the party's upcoming plans.[89]

Electoral system

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The Parliament of Georgia is composed of 150 members who are elected for a term of four years.

As stipulated by constitutional amendments that were adopted on 26 September 2017, the 2024 election will mark the move to a fully proportional system with a 5% minimal threshold for parties to enter parliament.[90][91][92]

A similar seat distribution method used in previous elections is being applied for the proportional system.[93] For the 2024 election with 150-member proportional representation, the method involves multiplying the number of votes by 150 and then dividing it by the sum of votes received by all parties that passed 5% threshold (including by the votes of party for which the number of seats is determined with this calculation) to determine the number of seats the party will get in parliament. If after these calculations for all parties the number of total seats distributed is still below 150, the remaining seats will be proportionally distributed among the parties that crossed the 5% threshold.[94]

On 6 February 2023, the Central Election Commission of Georgia adopted a decree introducing an electronic voter registration and voting system at most of the polling stations.[95]

Opinion polls

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Local regression trend line of poll results (excluding undecideds and abstentions) since the last parliamentary election to the present day, with each line corresponding to a political party.
Date Sample size Pollster GD-PP Unity Strong Georgia APG-CM/Alt Info Girchi GLP Coalition for Change For Georgia Federalists No party Others N/A Lead
GD PP UNM SA EG Lelo For the People FS Citizens APG CM/Alt Info Girchi-MF Droa Ahali RP
24 July–4 August 2024 1,700 GORBI 59.3 13.1 2.2 5.8 - 3 2.1 - 5.5 - 4.8 - - 4.2 - 46.2
11–24 July 2024 1,000 Edison Research 32.4 17.3 1.9 12.8 2.2 2.6 5.2 3.3 9.9 - 11.2 - - 1.3 - 15.1
June–July 2024 2,000 ISSA 34.4 0.8 16.9 4.4 8 2.3 - 1.6 2.1 0.9 1.9 1.8 5.1 12.4 - 6.9 - - 0.3 - 17.5
1–10 April 2024 1,601 ISSA 37.4 0.6 18.8 2.3 4.7 1.8 - 2.2 0.6 2.2 1.7 2.7 1.7 13.8 0.4 5.2 - - 3.9 - 18.6
11–18 March 2024 1,711 GORBI 60.4 - 12.6 4.5 4.7 - - 0.6 0.9 - 1.4 0.6 3 1.6[a] - 3.7 - - 6 - 47.8
1–22 December 2023 1,500 Edison Research 36.6 2.5 21.5 0.7 6.7 3.7 - 1.7 1.7 3 2.9 4.7 5 - - 8.8 - - 0.5 - 15.1
20 October–6 November 2023 1,000 Edison Research 37 3 21 1 5 4 - 3 2 3 4 4 4 - - 9 - - 1 - 16
30 September–20 October 2023 1,212 GORBI 55 - 20 3 4 - - 1 2 - 1 2 4 - - 3 - - 5 - 35
14 September–14 October 2023 1,200 IRI[b] 25 1 16 1 2 2 - 2 1 1 3 2 2 - - 4 - 24 1 5 9
7–24 September 2023 1,500 Edison Research 37 3 22 1 4 4 - 2 1 3 4 4 4 - - 10 - - <1 - 15
25 May–14 June 2023 1,500 Edison Research 37 2 25 4 1 3 3 - 2 1 2 3 5 4 2 - - 6 - - - - 12
22 April–7 May 2023 1,212 GORBI 53 - 19 4 2 2 - - 2 2 - 1 3 3 - - - 2 - - 7 - 34
4–23 March 2023 1,500 IRI[b] 19 <1 14 2 1 2 2 - 2 <1 1 2 2 3 1 - - 3 - 25 <1 7 5
17–30 November 2022 2,024 GORBI 52 - 23 3 3 3 - - 2 3 - 2 1 3 - - - 1 - - 4 - 29
13 September–2 October 2022 1,500 IRI[b] 25 - 12 1 - 2 2 - 1 2 1 2 2 3 2 - - 3 - 17 2 23 13
4–24 March 2022 1,486 IRI[b] 31 - 16 2 - 2 2 - 1 1 1 - 2 1 2 - - 4 - 15 2 19 15
2020 election 48.22 - 27.18 3.15 3.79 3.15 - - 1.33 3.14 - 2.89 1.00 - - - - - - - 6.13 - 21.04

Notes

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  1. ^ The Ahali party was not mentioned in the answers, the results of the party are based on the answers given spontaneously by the respondents.
  2. ^ a b c d The results are shown without allocating undecided voters.

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[edit]
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  71. ^ "UNM, Strategy Aghmashenebeli Announce Political Platform: 'Unity – to Save Georgia'".
  72. ^ "Ahali, Girchi-More Freedom and Droa Unite Ahead of Polls".
  73. ^ "ახალისა და გირჩი-დროას ერთობას "კოალიცია ცვლილებისთვის" ერქმევა". Tabula (in Georgian). 18 July 2024.
  74. ^ "Republican Party, Activists for Future join Coalition for Change". Georgian Public Broadcaster. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  75. ^ "რესპუბლიკური პარტია და "აქტივისტები მომავლისთვის" კოალიციას ცვლილებებისთვის შეუერთდნენ". Tabula (in Georgian). 18 August 2024.
  76. ^ "Mamuka Mdinaradze: People's Power will take part in the parliamentary elections with a common list with us". Interpressnews. 16 July 2024.
  77. ^ "Georgian Dream party to officially launch election campaign". Imedi. 16 July 2024.
  78. ^ "ლელო, ანა დოლიძის პარტია და მოძრაობა თავისუფლების მოედანი საარჩევნოდ გაერთიანდნენ". Tabula (in Georgian). 17 July 2024.
  79. ^ "Citizens leader joins Strong Georgia coalition". Georgian Public Broadcaster. 12 August 2024.
  80. ^ "Giga Bokeria quits European Georgia". Georgian Public Broadcaster. 1 August 2024.
  81. ^ "ვინ წავიდა ევროპული საქართველოდან და ვინ დარჩა პარტიაში". Tabula. 8 August 2024.
  82. ^ "ფედერალისტები - ბოკერიას და ჩერგოლეიშვილის გუნდმა ახალი პარტია წარადგინა". Tabula. 15 August 2024.
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  88. ^ "Special Investigation Service launched the investigation of the facts of exceeding official powers against David Katsarava". Rustavi 2. 14 May 2024.
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  95. ^ "90% of Voters Will Vote Electronically in 2024 Parliamentary Elections". Civil Georgia. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
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