Georgian Gov’t fails to normalise tense political climate ahead of elections, political analyst Nodia

Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections will formally go ahead, but the political environment remains deeply unsettled, analyst Gia Nodia warned on Tuesday.

Speaking about the current political situation, Nodia said the authorities appear “nervous” and unable to stabilize the atmosphere despite seeking to do so.

“Elections [on October 4] will take place, all formalities will be observed, and part of the opposition will participate. But it is obvious, even from the government’s perspective, that the situation is not normal - and its nervous movements show this,” he said.

Nodia pointed to recent incidents including arrests, criminal cases over political banners, physical assaults, and the resurgence of groups he described as “titushkas” - pro-government provocateurs - as signs of periodic “repressive flare-ups”.

He added that Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili’s recent moves had raised the stakes ahead of 4 October, when opposition groups were planning a large mobilisation to coincide with election day.

“Objectively, Ivanishvili’s actions confirm that 4 October is a very dangerous day for the regime… He helped those who want it to be a turning point, not just another election day,” Nodia said.