UNM’s Pavlenishvili questions IRI poll, citing pressure on voters

United National Movement (UNM) leader Irakli Pavlenishvili has questioned whether an International Republican Institute (IRI) opinion poll accurately reflected public support for political parties, arguing that people may be reluctant to disclose their preferences amid what he described as a repressive environment.

“Under the conditions of this regime, it is very difficult to ask people to express their sincere opinions. Ultimately, free elections will show what the Georgian people think,” Pavlenishvili said.

He argued that some respondents could say they support a different party because of fear, particularly people working in the public sector, while those who openly support Georgian Dream and “are not afraid” may be more willing to state their preferences.

Pavlenishvili said he had a positive attitude towards IRI but was waiting for the organisation’s official position on the survey, saying that the UNM had learned about the findings through public sources.

“Similar surveys, under such a repressive policy, do not ultimately reflect what is really happening,” he said.

A slide circulating on social media and purportedly showing the results of an International Republican Institute survey puts Georgian Dream at 36% in party ratings, followed by the United National Movement at 5%.

According to the circulated slide, Girchi led by Iago Khvichia, the Labour Party, Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia and Ahali each receive 2%.

Anna Dolidze’s For People, Zurab Japaridze’s Girchi - More Freedom, Strategy Agmashenebeli and the People’s Party are each listed at 1%.