On September 25, 2024, Civic IDEA, in collaboration with the Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, participated in a meeting hosted by the German Marshall Fund in Washington, DC, focusing on Georgia’s critical 2024 parliamentary elections.
There is growing optimism that the ruling Georgian Dream party might lose power, as the opposition offers voters multiple coalition options. However, for success, a unified and well-coordinated campaign will be essential to build voter momentum, as public perception often determines electoral outcomes. Concerns were also voiced about the legitimacy of Georgian Dream’s campaign tactics, particularly its use of the church to influence political campaigns. International oversight and pressure are seen as crucial to ensuring a fair and transparent election process.
In addition to these discussions, the event also addressed other significant challenges facing Georgia, such as the controversial Foreign Agents Law. Civic IDEA and its partners examined the law’s implications, as well as its potential broader impact on civil society, judicial independence, and Georgia’s EU integration path. Key reforms, including the need for judicial transparency and anti-corruption measures, were underscored as vital for the country’s democratic progress.
