Georgia: Observation Group Records Incidences of Political Violence and Intimidation During Electoral Campaign
Georgia's October 2024 parliamentary elections are underscored by allegations of political violence and intimidation, with the ruling Georgian Dream party facing criticism for employing these tactics to solidify their power.
The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), a Tbilisi-based NGO, has documented numerous incidents of violence, verbal confrontations, and obstructions to campaigning since the election season commenced in August. Most of these incidents occurred during actions against opposition politicians challenging the incumbent Georgian Dream party.
In a September 30 press release, the GYLA expressed concern over the lack of a peaceful and secure environment for the elections, urging authorities to promptly investigate these cases and keep the public informed about the progress of the investigations. The statement also advised political parties to refrain from mobilizing supporters at opponents' campaign events to prevent escalating tensions and disrupting the electoral process.
While political violence has been an issue in Georgian politics for 2024, it became particularly prominent this spring when widespread opposition arose against the adoption of the "foreign agents" law. Security forces responded forcefully, using water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to quell street protests, and allegedly employed heavy-handed tactics against opposition activists and politicians, including beatings by masked individuals and threatening phone calls from anonymous sources.
A separate GYLA report raised concerns about the judicial system's handling of cases involving Georgians arrested during the spring protests, stating that there was no thorough investigation into the alleged abuse of power by law enforcement authorities, nor identification of those responsible.
Tamar Oniani, head of GYLA's human rights division, expressed fears that the risk of political violence will remain high throughout the campaign and could escalate post-election, depending on the results and perceived fairness of the voting process.
An analysis published by the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), a non-partisan, Tbilisi-based research organization, described the current political environment in Georgia as "unstable and unpredictable." If the Georgian Dream party wins a majority capable of overriding all opposition to make constitutional changes, the incumbent authorities are likely to consolidate their power, potentially transforming the country into a Belarus-style authoritarianism, according to GIP.
If a coalition of diverse opposition forces wins enough votes to form a governing coalition, Georgia could witness a refreshed approach to reforms. However, the success of such a scenario hinges on the extent to which political forces within the country are willing to set aside personal ambitions and collaborate with the public and civil society.
- The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has reported an increase in political violence since the election season began, including incidents during actions against opposition politicians challenging the Georgian Dream party.
- The GYLA's September 30 press release highlighted the lack of a secure environment for the October 2024 parliamentary elections, urging authorities to investigate these cases and keep the public informed.
- Allegations of heavy-handed tactics against opposition activists and politicians, such as beatings by masked individuals and threatening phone calls from anonymous sources, have surfaced during the widespread opposition to the "foreign agents" law this spring.
- A report by the GYLA expressed concern about the judicial system's handling of cases involving Georgians arrested during the spring protests, stating that there was no thorough investigation into alleged abuse of power by law enforcement authorities.
- Tamar Oniani, head of GYLA's human rights division, has expressed concerns that the risk of political violence will remain high throughout the campaign and could escalate post-election, depending on the perceived fairness of the voting process.
- The Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) has described the current political environment in Georgia as "unstable and unpredictable," with potentially significant consequences for the country's future, including the possibility of it becoming a Belarus-style authoritarianism if the Georgian Dream party wins a majority to override all opposition.
