Tornike Gordadze, former Georgian State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration and current professor at the Paris Institute of Political Sciences, says that in Georgia’s current political climate, elections serve only to legitimize the ruling Georgian Dream party, comparing the practice to that of authoritarian regimes.
Speaking on BMGTV, Gordadze emphasized the need for opposition unity ahead of local elections, warning that fragmented participation sends a confusing message to Western partners.
“The Georgian government, like all authoritarian governments, loves organizing elections, they leave no real chance for the opposition and use elections to reinforce their control and legitimacy,” Gordadze said.
He criticized the lack of coordinated strategy among opposition parties, especially those choosing to boycott, arguing that passive refusal to participate is not enough. The public must be actively mobilized before the October 4 elections, and a clear plan for post-election actions is essential.
“Turnout matters, whether 20% or 50% of voters show up. But more importantly, what happens after October 4? Is there a strategy? I don’t know if the opposition has one,” he added.
Currently, opposition parties Lelo and Gakharia for Georgia are expected to participate in the elections, further highlighting the lack of a unified approach.
