The recent Georgian elections have unfolded as a major event filled with both triumphs and controversies. Georgian Dream, the ruling party, claimed a landslide victory with 53.94% of the vote, according to preliminary results. While the Prime Minister and Georgian Dream leader Irakli Kobakhidze celebrated the outcome, the opposition and many international observers pointed to a flawed process.

In Georgia, where democratic values are crucial yet often tested, this election has stirred up strong reactions both domestically and internationally.

CEPA / Prime Minister Kobakhidze acknowledged "irregularities" in the election and dismissed claims of fraud.

He noted that incidents occurred in only a handful of precincts out of more than 3,000, insisting that the overall voting environment remained peaceful. However, the opposition and even some international voices have raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process.

Georgian Dream’s Victory and Claims of a "Landslide" Victory

Georgian Dream’s triumph in this election is a story of dominance. Garnering an outright majority with nearly 54% of the vote, the party’s success underscores its stronghold over Georgian politics. This is Georgian Dream’s fourth consecutive victory, a streak that many attribute to its deep-rooted influence across Georgia’s political landscape.

The party’s leadership painted this as a decisive mandate from the Georgian people.

However, not everyone is buying into this narrative. Opposition groups, international election observers, and even Georgia’s pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, voiced skepticism over the process. The president condemned what she described as a "total falsification" of the vote, stirring calls for protests among opposition supporters.

Opposition’s Reaction and International Concerns on the Rise

The opposition's reaction to the election results was swift and vocal. Coalition for Change, Unity (UNM), and other opposition groups argued that the elections were marred by widespread irregularities. Thus, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the results.

Times / Their supporters, galvanized by what they perceive as a rigged process, are prepared to rally outside parliament in protest.

Likewise, international observers and allies have echoed the opposition’s concerns. The U.S. and European Union voiced support for an independent investigation into the election. It reflects their alarm over the reports of an "uneven playing field." Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Georgia to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, and address electoral deficiencies.

Viktor Orban’s Visit and the East-West Tug of War

The announcement of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s upcoming visit to Georgia adds another layer of intrigue. Orban, often criticized as Russia’s closest ally within the EU, congratulated Georgian Dream on its victory even before the final results were confirmed. His visit, scheduled just days after the contentious election, sends a complex message to both Georgia and the EU.

Orban’s presence may embolden the Georgian Dream, signaling support from a notable EU leader despite EU concerns over Georgia’s democratic track record. Yet, this alignment could backfire. It could reinforce fears that the ruling party is drifting toward a more authoritarian model reminiscent of Hungary's "hybrid regime of electoral autocracy."

For many Georgians and EU officials, Orban’s visit is symbolic of Georgia’s internal struggle between aligning with the West or embracing influences from the East.

If Georgian Dream hopes to lead Georgia into the EU, it must address the flaws that surfaced in this election. Without meaningful reforms, the accusations of vote-rigging and the concerns of international observers will only deepen. Georgian democracy, still young and evolving, stands at a pivotal moment.

The steps it takes now - whether embracing reform or resisting change - will shape the nation's path for years to come.