Introduction

Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the new president of Georgia in a controversial election held on December 14, 2024. This election marks a significant shift in Georgia’s political landscape and has been met with widespread protests and opposition.

Election Process and Results

The presidential election was conducted through an indirect vote, where a 300-member Electoral College, dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, elected the president. Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player and a hardline critic of the West, received 224 out of 225 votes from the electors present.

Controversial Aspects

Several factors have made this election highly contentious:

Indirect Election

This was the first time Georgia used an indirect voting system for presidential elections, following constitutional amendments made in 2017.

Opposition Boycott

All opposition parties boycotted the parliament and the election process, claiming that the October parliamentary elections were fraudulent.

EU Accession Freeze

The ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend Georgia’s EU accession talks until 2028 has sparked major protests.

Incumbent’s Stance

The outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to recognize the legitimacy of the election and has stated her intention to remain in office.

Kavelashvili’s Background and Views

Mikheil Kavelashvili is known for his:

Far-right political stance

Strong anti-Western views

Leadership role in People’s Power, an anti-Western splinter group of the ruling party

Co-authorship of a controversial “foreign agents” law

Public Response

The election has triggered significant public unrest:

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building during the vote

Demonstrators played soccer and waved red cards, mocking Kavelashvili’s athletic background

Opposition parties have stated they will continue to regard Zourabichvili as the legitimate president

Conclusion

Kavelashvili is set to be inaugurated on December 29, 2024, amid ongoing political tensions and protests in Georgia.