According to a new survey conducted by the International Republican Institute, 29% of respondents strongly support snap parliamentary election in Georgia.
When asked if they support the opposition’s demand for snap elections, 29% said that they definitely support it. 22% – somewhat supported, 27% – definitely opposed, 12% – somewhat opposed, and 10% don’t know/don’t have an answer.
IRI says that data was collected in Georgia between June 15, 2021 and June 30, 2021 through face-toface interviews at respondents’ homes.
The sample consisted 1,500 permanent Georgian residents who were 18 years old and eligible to vote. This is representative of the population in terms of age, gender and region. The margin of error is not more than plus or minus 2,5%. The response rate was 74%.
Party Popularity
IRI reports that 26% of respondents will vote for the Georgian Dream Party, 14% for United National Movement, and 9% for the former PM Giorgi Gakharia‘s party “For Georgia” if elections are held next week.
In response to the question, “Which party would you vote if municipal elections were held the following week?” the votes were distributed in the following way:
* Labor Party- Shalva Natelashvili : 3%
* Girchi, more freedom – Zurab Girchi Japaridze: 2%;
* Strategy Builder – Giorgi Vashadze: 2%;
* Lelo – Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze: 2%,
* Alliance of Patriots : 2%
* Citizens: 2%; Eri – Levan Vasadze: 1%;
* European Georgia – Giga Bokeria: 1%;
* For people – Ana Dolidze: 1%;
* Droa Elene Khoshtaria : 1%
* Girchi: 1%;
* Other parties: 1%
20% of respondents didn’t know the answer and 7% refused to respond.
Former PM Gakharia Maintains High Personal Rating
IRI reported former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has a high rating of personal satisfaction, with 56% of respondents finding him acceptable.
According to the survey 88% of respondents like the Georgian patriarch, 58% like Tbilisi mayor candidate Kakha Kaladze and 56% prefer former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia.
Giorgi Gakharia, the former PM of Georgia, resigned in February 2021 because of disagreements with his party over the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the UNM Party.
After his resignation, the former Prime Minister established a new political group ‘For Georgia’, noting that “we are united for Georgia but against nobody.”
George Sharashidze, a member of his party and publisher, wrote on social media following the publication of IRI’s findings.
What conclusions can we draw from the IRI study’s latest report?
“1. “1.
“2. “2.
“3. Gakharia maintains a high rating. Even a few month after his resignation, he is still viewed positively by a large portion of the population. Gakharia’s ratings are not conditioned by party ratings, as the ruling party claimed.
“4. The real reason that the ruling party annulled the Charles Michel Agreement has been confirmed. The fall from 35% to 28% in April confirms a permanent decrease in the support of the population for the ruling parties.
“5. “5.
“6. It is confirmed that ratings for almost all parties are down, but support for ‘For Georgia,’ the party, is on the rise. This is not surprising, given that 97% of respondents to the survey have a negative opinion of the current political polarization. Both the ruling power and opposition are doing exactly the opposite.
“7. “7.
“The challenge has been accepted!” We can. “We will change!” Sharashidze wrote.
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