Georgia will hold local elections on Saturday, October 4th, but their authority is already in question as eight opposition parties have announced a boycott. They accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of eroding democracy and moving the country closer to Russia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the boycott, saying that his government protects stability and remains committed to European Union membership and integration.
The opposition remains split: parties such as Strong Georgia are still competing and urging citizens to vote, warning that low turnout would only strengthen Georgian Dream.
The vote comes after months of anti-government protests and rising concerns over democratic backsliding. International observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe will not monitor the elections due to a late invitation from the government.
