Georgia's Upcoming Presidential Elections: A Shift to Electoral College
Georgia is preparing for its presidential elections on December 14, marking a significant change in its electoral process as the president will be elected by an Electoral College for the first time. This decision was made by the newly elected parliament, led by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and the inauguration of the new president is scheduled for December 29. The elections come amid ongoing protests and political tensions, particularly from opposition groups loyal to former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who have refused to recognize the results of the recent parliamentary elections held on October 26.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012, secured 89 seats in the parliament, while various opposition coalitions garnered significantly fewer seats. Protests have erupted in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, with demonstrators accusing the government of electoral fraud. The situation has led to heightened security measures around the parliament, with limited access enforced as tensions rise.
Implications of the Electoral College System
The introduction of the Electoral College, comprising 300 members including parliamentarians and local delegates, is seen as a move to curtail presidential powers and reinforce the parliamentary system. Experts suggest this change is a culmination of Georgia's transition to a parliamentary form of governance, initiated during Saakashvili's presidency. The current president, Salome Zurabishvili, was elected by popular vote in 2018 but has faced criticism and conflict with the ruling party, leading to speculation about her successor.
Political analysts believe that the new system will likely favor candidates aligned with the ruling party, as the opposition struggles to present a viable candidate capable of securing the necessary votes. The ruling party is reportedly considering new candidates to avoid past mistakes that led to tensions with previous presidents.
Despite the ongoing protests, experts predict that the opposition lacks the resources and unity to instigate significant unrest, and the government has enacted laws aimed at reducing foreign influence in its political processes. The law on foreign agents, passed earlier this year, has been a focal point of contention, with the opposition branding it as a tool for suppressing dissent. However, the ruling party maintains that it is essential for safeguarding national sovereignty.
As Georgia approaches its presidential elections, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges, including the potential for increased Western pressure on the government. Observers note that while the West may seek to influence Georgia's political direction, the ruling party's strategy aims to balance relations with both Western powers and neighboring Russia. The outcome of the elections will be pivotal in determining Georgia's future political trajectory.
