Georgian vote could determine future in Europe

Georgia is voting on Saturday in a divisive election which could determine its future in Europe – as the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ government faces off with a coalition of pro-EU parties. 

The parliamentary elections this weekend are being treated as a make-or-break vote by many Georgian citizens when it comes to the nation’s prospects of joining the European Union. 

Ultimately, this vote has the potential to decide whether Georgia gets back on track to EU membership or if it embraces authoritarianism and falls into Russia’s orbit. 

Many fear the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ party is dragging the country away from joining the EU. 

Polls suggest that most Georgians favour joining the EU but Brussels suspended the country’s  membership process after the ruling party passed a law cracking down on freedom of speech in June. 

That “foreign influence law” was modelled on similar legislation in Russia and requires media, NGOs and other non-profits to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. 

‘Georgian Dream’ argue it was needed to curb harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the country, whilst journalists and activists say its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate before the election. 

 On Friday evening, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the nation on the eve of the crucial parliamentary election, urging citizens to vote to determine the future of their country. 

“No one can compel you; no one will know whom you voted form and tomorrow, no one can punish you for your choice,” Zourabichvili said.