Georgia’s ruling party alleges foreign interference in pre-election processes

Givi Mikanadze, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday accused foreign entities of “gross interference” in Georgia’s pre-election processes, ahead of the October 26 general elections.

The MP said meetings of opposition political parties in various regions of the country were financed and organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

“Today’s briefing aims to inform the public about foreign intervention in pre-election activities during the summer and to assess the political neutrality of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during this period,” Mikanadze said.

He highlighted that on June 17, a meeting was held in Kutaisi, western Georgia, where opposition figures, including Salome Samadashvili, Khatia Dekanoidze, Anna Tsitlidze, Teona Akubardia, and Tamar Kordzaia, engaged in pre-election agitation. Similar events took place in Zugdidi, Batumi, Ozurgeti, and Gori, organized by NDI and the Centers for Civic Engagement, the lawmaker claimed.

Mikanadze also pointed out that on July 13, leaders of opposition parties, including the United National Movement and Lelo, met with residents of Tsnori, with Lelo publicly thanking NDI for the opportunity.

He further alleged that NGOs in Georgia were participating in alleged anti-government activities, citing the Festival of Democracy events organized by the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy

The events, held in Tsalenjikha, Telavi, and Kutaisi, involved opposition parties engaging in pre-election agitation, distributing party materials, and advocating for the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, Mikanadze noted.

He also expressed concerns over the “blurring lines” between NGOs and political entities, suggesting that foreign funding was influencing Georgia’s pre-election processes. He emphasized that such actions would be negatively perceived in other countries, including Denmark.

Mikanadze also criticized the involvement of organizations like Transparency International Georgia, which he claimed had engaged in anti-government propaganda alongside opposition representatives, “further eroding political neutrality”.