Former Premier League striker Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, has been elected President of Georgia, solidifying the ruling Georgian Dream party’s grip on power. His victory was assured by the party’s dominance in a 300-seat electoral college, which replaced direct presidential elections in 2017.
The election comes on the heels of Georgian Dream’s contentious parliamentary win on October 26, a result the opposition claims was manipulated with assistance from Moscow. Pro-Western factions, including the outgoing president, have since boycotted parliamentary sessions and demanded a fresh election.
Despite the political unrest, Georgian Dream has pledged to pursue European Union accession while advocating for a “reset” in relations with Russia. Critics argue that this approach undermines Georgia’s European aspirations and represents a strategic win for its former imperial ruler, Russia.
The developments have heightened tensions in the South Caucasus nation, raising questions about its democratic trajectory and geopolitical alignment.
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