Georgian Dream secures victory in legislative elections
With 70% of precincts reporting, Georgian Dream leads with 53% of the vote, outpacing the opposition coalition by a considerable margin.
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has achieved a significant victory in the country's legislative elections, signaling strong public support for their commitment to sovereignty and cautious approach to EU alignment.
With 70% of precincts reporting, Georgian Dream leads with 53% of the vote, outpacing the opposition coalition by a considerable margin.
Thanks to our voters, thanks to the citizens of Georgia. The choice has been ✅ With peace and dignity to EU!🇬🇪🇪🇺 #GD 53% #GeorgianElections #2024 pic.twitter.com/SKXYnLmPPo
— Nino Tsilosani (@ninotsilosani19) October 26, 2024
The win cements Georgian Dream's vision for Georgia—a future that prioritizes stability and national autonomy over external influences.
"Georgia’s future lies in our hands, not in the dictates of distant bureaucrats. This victory shows our people’s commitment to preserving our sovereignty and cultural heritage," Bidzina Ivanishvili, Founder of Georgian Dream, told reporters.
Led by the influential Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream has argued that Georgia must focus on balanced policies that maintain the country’s independence, free from pressures that have drawn other nations into the complications of EU membership.
Georgian Dream’s supporters see this win as a defense against the EU’s overreach, noting that Georgia’s future rests on cooperation without losing its cultural and political identity.
"This election was a choice between losing ourselves to Western pressures or standing firm. I believe in a Georgia that cooperates with all but bows to none," Giga Abuladze, Tbilisi Resident and Georgian Dream Voter told AFP.
National interests prevails
Throughout the campaign, Georgian Dream articulated the risks of aligning too closely with Western institutions, advocating instead for policies that protect Georgian interests and security.
These positions resonated strongly with voters, many of whom view the EU’s involvement in the region as divisive and potentially destabilizing.
"We are proud to see that Georgians have chosen a path of stability and independence. We are committed to keeping our nation strong, safe, and free from outside interference," Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream said.
Supporters celebrated the victory, with party representatives assuring that Georgian Dream would prioritize Georgia’s internal stability, economic growth, and cultural values, all while maintaining relationships with both Europe and Russia on their own terms.
Read more: US plotting color revolution in Georgia ahead of elections: SVR
Resisting Foreign Pressure
In recent months, Georgia has faced notable pressure from the United States regarding its foreign policy stance and internal governance, particularly over issues related to democratic reforms, EU integration, and the country’s relationship with Russia.
Washington has urged Georgia to align more closely with Western policies, with a focus on advancing judicial reforms, protecting civil society, and supporting pro-European Union measures.
These demands intensified after Georgian Dream passed a controversial "foreign influence" law earlier this year, modeled on Russian legislation, which sought to monitor and restrict the activities of foreign-funded organizations.
The law sparked widespread protests in Georgia, ultimately leading the government to withdraw it under international and domestic pressure.
Despite this, Georgian Dream has maintained a firm stance, resisting the US' overreach as the party has stressed Georgia’s need for a more autonomous foreign policy, arguing that prioritizing stability and measured international relationships aligns best with national interests.