Georgia faces key parliamentary vote

The South Caucasus nation goes to the polls on Oct 26, with voters facing a choice between a pro-European or pro-Russian government


GEORGIAN DREAM

Ruling party seeking fourth term in office, has in last two years shifted towards pro-Russian rhetoric

Passing of controversial “foreign influence law” in May 2024 sparked weeks of mass street protests

Move prompted Brussels to freeze Georgia’s EU accession process, while U.S. sanctioned dozens of Georgian officials

Party led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze (above left) but controlled by billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili (right)


Breakaway regions under Russian control

ABKHAZIA
BLACK SEA
SOUTH OSSETIA
GEORGIA
TURKEY
RUSSIA
Tbilisi
ARMENIA
AZERBAIJAN
100km 60 miles


MAIN OPPOSITION GROUPS

1 Unity – led by United National Movement (UNM) and headed by MP Tina Bokuchava

2 Coalition for Change – alliance of several parties led by former UNM figures such as Nika Gvaramia

3 Strong Georgia – led by Lelo party of former banker Mamuka Khazaradze

4 For Georgia – party founded by former Prime Minister from Georgian Dream, Giorgi Gakharia

1 2 3 4


Sources: AFP, Reuters 
Pictures: Facebook, Getty Images, Wikimedia
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