Foreign Interference in the Elections: What Georgian Dream Overlooks
Date: 22 November 2024
On November 8, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, stated: “We witnessed foreign interference in our elections on an unprecedented scale. We saw politicians and foreign officials, including diplomats, directly interfering in the Georgian elections, telling the Georgian people not to vote for Georgian Dream.”
Members of Georgian Dream were making claims about foreign interference even before the elections. On September 27, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze remarked that “external interference in the Georgian elections is particularly intense today, which is unfortunate.” Three days before the elections, Shalva Papuashvili added that the opposition “is being campaigned for from abroad. Not a day goes by without two or three statements from abroad, which are direct interference in electioral matters.”
When discussing foreign interference, the leaders of Georgian Dream primarily refer to the critical statements made by representatives of the European Union and the United States. Notably, they did not mention any potential interference from Russia.
What is foreign interference in elections?
Foreign interference in elections refers to attempts by one state’s government to influence the electoral process of another state. This interference can take various forms, ranging from harsh methods such as military intervention or economic pressure to more subtle actions aimed at influencing voters’ opinions, like misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
The US National Intelligence Council identifies several forms of election interference, including foreign funding of specific parties or candidates, tampering with the voting process, and cyberattacks. While these actions are often illegal under local laws, foreign interference can sometimes occur through legal means, such as making public statements for or against a particular party or candidate, leaking confidential information about them, or offering favorable trade or economic deals.
Foreign interference in the 2024 parliamentary elections
During the pre-election period, representatives of Western institutions repeatedly urged the Georgian government to withdraw the “transparency of foreign influence” law and other undemocratic legislation, and to ensure free and fair elections. Such calls have persisted for more than two years, especially as anti-Western rhetoric and democratic backsliding have intensified in Georgia. In response, representatives of Georgian Dream frequently countered with retaliatory criticism and attacks, framing any appeal for democratic reforms as foreign interference. Even during the pre-election period, Georgian Dream used the West’s call to return to a democratic path to bolster its anti-Western rhetoric, accusing Western institutions of interfering in the elections in favor of the opposition. Notably, no Western representative publicly endorsed any opposition party.
Simultaneously, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service issued several statements regarding the October elections, questioning the credibility of international election observation missions and expressing strong support for Georgian Dream. The government’s response to these statements was entirely uncritical.
Furthermore, there have been longstanding reports of Russia funding various political forces and parties in Georgia, including the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia and members of the former Conservative Movement on its electoral list. Despite this, Georgian Dream has neither challenged, nor taken any measures against, Russian funding of these parties, allowing pro-Russian forces to participate in the elections and engage in violent activities and disinformation.
The Georgian government has consistently failed to address the threat of potential Russian interference in the elections, instead labeling the West’s calls for democratic reforms as foreign interference.
POLITICAL ANALYSIS
The question of electoral legitimacy lies at the heart of democracy, directly influencing both domestic stability and engagement with international institutions. In Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, claims of systematic electoral fraud and intimidation tactics have cast a shadow over the results, raising significant concerns among both local and international observers. With the ruling party, Georgian Dream, securing a majority vote amid these allegations, the local opposition parties rejected the results, while various other countries refrained from recognizing the outcome. In countries like Georgia, where aspirations for closer ties with the West are tempered, the legitimacy of elections transcends local politics, impacting foreign aid, international alliances, and the country’s reputation on the world stage.
Electoral legitimacy is essential for any government’s credibility and authority. In democratic societies, the perception that elections are fair and representative is foundational. Without it, public trust erodes, leading to social unrest, political polarization, and ultimately a weakened state. This legitimacy is especially crucial for Georgia, a nation balancing its aspirations for European Union (EU) and NATO integration with internal polarization, illiberal tendencies, and external pressures, notably from Russia. When elections lack credibility, as has been alleged in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, this can lead to isolation from Western allies and provide openings for foreign powers—particularly Russia—to influence Georgia’s political trajectory.
The West, including the EU and the United States, has sometimes shown leniency toward minor election irregularities, particularly in fledgling democracies transitioning from authoritarian rule. However, this acceptance depends on the scope and nature of these irregularities. Marginal administrative lapses or isolated misconduct may be overlooked if the general integrity of the process remains intact, as stability is often prioritized over immediate perfection. Yet, systemic issues—such as media restrictions, voter intimidation and fraud, and misuse of state resources, as reported by OSCE/ODIHR and reiterated by US President Joe Biden—shift the threshold for Western tolerance. In Georgia’s case, the EU and several Western countries have refrained from recognizing the results due to the severity of the allegations.
Instances of Western non-recognition have often had serious repercussions. In Belarus (2020), where elections were marred by fraud and violence, the EU and US refused to recognize the results, isolating Belarus internationally and leading to its near-total dependence on Russia. Similarly, in Venezuela (2018), Nicolás Maduro’s contested reelection led to widespread rejection, sanctions, and intensified political and economic crises, reinforcing international support for the opposition. In Myanmar (2021), the military’s takeover and nullification of election results drew swift Western condemnation and sanctions, exacerbating Myanmar’s isolation. In Zimbabwe (2008), pressure from the West over contested election results led to a power-sharing deal, illustrating how non-recognition can sometimes drive positive democratic outcomes.
In the Georgian case, the ruling party’s actions are viewed by many through the lens of “Kremlin-style” tactics, not only for the systematic electoral fraud and breach of constitutional rights (to secrecy and the right to vote), but also for misusing allegedly nonpartisan state institutions, stoking fears, and framing elections as battles for national identity or sovereignty. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s defense of the election results as expressions of the Georgian people’s will contrasts sharply with statements from Baltic, Nordic, and North American leaders who denounced the process as neither free nor fair.
Contested legitimacy has deep implications. Governments perceived as illegitimate struggle to secure foreign investment, maintain internal stability, and attract international aid, as donors often make their support conditional on adherence to democratic standards. Sweden, one of Georgia’s largest aid providers, has already suspended assistance due to election irregularities, while other nations have hinted at similar actions. This curtails Georgia’s economic outlook and raises the likelihood of further isolation from EU partners, complicating its Western integration. Furthermore, countries like Estonia and Lithuania have voiced concerns that Georgia, without a credible democratic process, risks drifting back toward Russian influence, a prospect that runs counter to the aspirations of many Georgians and pro-Western factions within the country.
Given these high stakes, gathering credible evidence of electoral fraud is essential. Documenting and publicizing irregularities can substantiate claims, support international interventions, and empower civil society to demand accountability. This is especially critical in environments where regime-controlled media may obscure election coverage. Verified evidence helps align international support with democratic initiatives, while pressuring governments to address the grievances of their citizenry.
In conclusion, the 2024 Georgian parliamentary election controversy underscores the vital role of electoral legitimacy in fostering both domestic and international stability. Georgia's credibility, its alliances, and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations depend on transparent and accountable governance. Without these, the nation risks isolation and an uncertain future, jeopardizing its place in the Western-aligned community it seeks to join.