Janice R. Andrews
In a controversial move, Georgia’s parliament has elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former soccer player, as the country’s new president. The election, which took place on Saturday, saw Kavelashvili receive 224 out of 225 votes from the electoral college, following an opposition boycott that highlighted the deep political divisions in the country.
The selection process marks a significant departure from previous presidential elections, as Georgia transitions from direct public voting to a parliamentary appointment system. This change has intensified concerns about the ruling Georgian Dream party’s democratic credentials and its perceived drift towards authoritarian governance.
The election comes amid ongoing protests in Tbilisi, which began in late November after the government suspended European Union accession talks. These demonstrations reflect the widespread public frustration, with approximately 80% of Georgians supporting EU membership. The protests have been marked by confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in over 150 injured police officers.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, known for her pro-Western stance, has denounced the election as a “mockery of democracy” and has indicated her intention to remain in office. Political analysts worry that Kavelashvili’s presidency could further exacerbate the country’s internal tensions and potentially strengthen ties with Russia.
Kavelashvili, who once played for Manchester City in the 1990s, is set to be inaugurated on December 29, amid continued public unrest and international scrutiny of Georgia’s political landscape.
