Georgia is set to hold local elections on Saturday amid a boycott by eight opposition parties. Others are participating, highlighting divisions within the opposition.

Tbilisi

Georgia is holding local elections with eight major pro-European opposition parties choosing to boycott the vote. The boycott is intended to protest what these parties see as an attempt by the ruling Georgian Dream Party to legitimize its power amid ongoing concerns about democratic standards and the suspension of EU accession talks. Other opposition groups have decided to participate, believing elections still offer opportunities for change.

The elections are taking place after months of pro-European protests and increased political tension, including arrests of political opponents. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and local watchdogs have declined to monitor the elections, citing restrictive laws and political pressure that undermine the possibility of a free and fair vote.

Georgia heads to elections amid opposition boycott

One year after a pivotal parliamentary election, Georgia is now set to hold local elections this Saturday, 4th of October. However, it is not an election day for everyone, as eight major pro-European opposition parties are boycotting the ballot, arguing that participation would only serve to legitimize the ruling party. Other opposition actors believe that elections still offer opportunities, so they are choosing to participate. What is the reason for the boycotting of the ballot? The boycotting is to make sure that the votes are counted and that there is a good result in the next election. If the votes are not counted, then there is no mechanism for the Georgian people to support the boycotting of the ballot. Local elections in Georgia take place amid over 300 days of pro-European protests, sparked on November 29, after the ruling Georgian Dream Party suspended EU accession talks. The unrest has led to arrests of political opponents and protesters, feeling concerns of democratic backsliding. The ruling party's candidate for Tbilisi, incumbent mayor Kaka Kaledzi, remains confident that he will win a third term. I am confident that I will win a third term. The people will vote for me. I want to change the city. I want to change who I am. I want to change the political party. These elections will not be observed by the OSCE observation mission, due to a last-minute invitation from the government. Local watchdogs have also declined to monitor the vote, citing an inability to ensure free and fair conditions due to recent restrictive laws and political pressure.

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