The deadline for submitting party list for Georgia’s upcoming parliament elections closed on September 26. The Central Election Commission (CEC), announced that 19 election topics had submitted their lists. This election cycle introduces an important change: the ban on electoral blocs. Many parties have therefore chosen to unify, presenting joint list, requiring the dissolution their individual identities.
“It’s Time for Coalition for Changes” (Number 4), which brings together prominent political figures, is one of the most notable coalitions. This coalition includes Nika Melia – the former chairman and director of Mtavari Television – as well as Nika Gvaramia – the former chairman of United National Movement. The “Republicans”, Elene Khoshtaria’s “It’s Time” and “Girchi – More Freedom” are also joining them. Nana Malashkhia is the leader of the list. She was known as the woman with the EU flag during pro-Western protests in March 2023. Iva Chkonia, a businesswoman, and Oktai Kazumova, a writer are also important candidates in this coalition.
A significant platform is the “Unity – National Movement” (Number 5), which forms a coalition with the United National Movement. This alliance includes Giorgi Vashedze’s “Strategy Aghmashenebeli”, and “European Georgia”. Tina Bokuchava is the leader of this list, and notable candidates are Gigi Tesereteli (former vice-speaker in parliament) and Irakli Kvadagiani (a researcher with experience of the Soviet past). This coalition was formed as a result of internal party changes and a desire for parliamentary influence.
The “Alliance of Georgian Patriots”, Number 8, has also made waves by incorporating former members of extreme right-wing factions and individuals with controversial backgrounds. Zurab Makharadze, Konstantine Mogoshia and others at the top of their list have been sanctioned by international bodies for their violent actions against journalists. Their inclusion raises concerns about the direction of the party and its implications for Georgian politics.
Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the Lelo Party, has taken a more centrist stance. “Strong Georgia: An Effort For The People, For Freedom!” (Number 9). Ana Dolidze is a civil rights activist who has been active in the coalition. Former President Giorgi Marvelashvili also supports its objectives. This union aims at attracting voters who are disillusioned by traditional party politics.
The “Labor Party of Georgia” (Number 10), founded by Shalva Natelelashvili in 95, is making a return. The party, which is known for its leftist views, has been facing challenges in recent times, including losing funding from the state. Natelashvili is the first candidate on the list. Giorgi Gugava is the second. The party wants to regain its foothold within parliament.
“Gakharia For Georgia” (Number 25, founded by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia) is another newcomer. This party has grown in popularity since its founding, especially in the 2021 local government elections, where it received 9.41% of votes. Teona Akubardia is an independent Member Of Parliament and Dimitri Tskitishvili was a former Georgian Dream member.
The party “Girchi”, (Number36), uses a unique selection method based on contributions. Party members can vote proportionally to their investment in the party. This is known as “Jeds”. This year’s list includes politicians such as Iago Khvichiya and Sandro Rakviashvili. It also features historian Giorgi Chanchidze.
The ruling party “Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia” (Number41) has been a dominant political force in Georgian since its founding in 2012 by BidzinaIvanishvili. The party’s list this year includes 170 candidates. It features prominent figures like Irakli Kobakhidze (current chairman) and Olympic champions such as Lasha Talakhadze or Geno Petriashvili. This demonstrates the party’s strategy of blending political experience with national proud.
The total number of votes for these parties is as follows:
* Number 3: Party of Unity and Development of Georgia
* Number 4: Time for a Coalition for Changes
* Number 5: Unity, National Movement
* Number 6: European Democrats
* Number 8: Alliance of Georgian Patriots
* Number 9: Strong Georgia — An Effort for the People and Freedom!
* Number 10: Labor Party of Georgia
* Number 12: Our United Georgia
* Number 13: Social Democratic Party of Georgia
* Number 16 – Change Georgia
Number 17: Georgia
* Number 20: Free Georgia
Number 21:
Number 23:
Number 25: Gakharia, Georgia
* Number 26: Left Alliance
Number 27: Georgian Unification
Girchi
* Number 41: Georgian Dream — Democratic Georgia
As the date of the elections approaches, voters will be faced with a diverse list of candidates, all representing a different vision for the future. The electoral landscape is marked with significant alliances, and a variety of platforms that address critical issues such as European Integration, economic development, or social reforms. The results of these elections will not only influence the composition of the parliament, but also Georgia’s future domestic and foreign policy. The strategies adopted by these political parties will be critical in securing a place in the new parliament.
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