Presidential elections are underway in Georgia, marking the first time in the country’s history that the head of state is being elected not by direct public vote, but by an electoral college.
The voting is taking place in the Parliament building, with the entire process being broadcast live on the official parliamentary website and social media platforms.
The electoral college comprises 300 delegates, including members of parliament and deputies from various levels. The ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” holds a majority with 211 delegates. To win in the first round, a candidate must secure at least two-thirds of the votes.
The college’s session began at 9:00 and is set to conclude at 14:00. Following this, the Georgian Central Election Commission will convene to tally the votes and announce the results.
The sole candidate for the presidency is Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and now a deputy, nominated by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. Ahead of the elections, Georgia’s State Security Service reported alleged attempts to disrupt the voting process, purportedly coordinated by foreign intelligence agencies.
The election process is unfolding against the backdrop of opposition protests outside the Parliament building. Current President Salome Zourabichvili has previously stated that she does not recognize the legitimacy of these elections, calling them a “parody” due to what she describes as the “illegitimate” composition of the Parliament. She emphasized her intention to continue performing her presidential duties, declaring herself the only legitimate representative of power in the country.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, meanwhile, remarked that despite Zourabichvili’s statements, she will be required to vacate the presidential residence following the inauguration of the new president, scheduled for December 29.
