With the chaos following the 26th of October Parliamentary elections, Georgians are fighting for their democracy and European future by claiming that the ruling Georgian Dream party rigged the elections. International observers have not reported that the elections were “free and fair”. Instead, they concluded that while voters had a wide choice with 18 candidate lists, there was an uneven playing field and the elections “unfolded amid entrenched polarisation in an environment marred by concerns over recently adopted legislation and its impact on fundamental freedoms and civil society”. The aftermath of the elections puts Georgia into turmoil and destabilises the region.
During this online Policy Dialogue, the speakers will discuss the state of play in the country and the choices the Georgian people have to ensure Georgia’s path to a European future, what does the EU have in its toolbox to compel Tbilisi to stay on the European path, as well as the potential implications if Georgia distances itself from the EU following the elections.
Participation is open to EPC members only, the media, and EU officials