Thread by @terjehelland

🇬🇪 Since 2012, Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of using undemocratic tactics to stay in power.
With the October 2024 elections approaching, their manipulative strategies are in full swing.
🧵Here’s how they’re doing it ...
1/24

First, Georgian Dream and Bidzina Ivanishvili know that if they do not retain power after the election in October, they will be in serious trouble.
Ivanishvili has already mentioned the fate of Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovych.
He doesn’t want to be the next Yanukovych.
2/24

Their actions and willingness to exercise extreme power must be seen in this light.
For them, the thought of losing is terrifying.
They are desperate.
They use all means to ensure that the opposition loses:
3/24

📊 Control Over Election Administration:
Amendments to the Election Code, supposedly aligning with EU standards, are concerning. The new process for appointing the Central Election Commission (CEC) Chair and members lacks transparency, keeping control in Georgian Dream’s hands.
4/24
civil.ge/archives/610396

💼 CEC Appointments:
The restructuring of the CEC allows the ruling party to exert influence over appointments. Critics argue this leads to a biased election administration, ensuring decisions favor Georgian Dream.
5/24

🤐 Lack of Transparency and Inclusiveness:
Opposition parties and civil society were largely excluded from drafting these amendments. This exclusion isn’t just an oversight; it’s a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and keep control.
6/24

📺 Media and Civil Society Clampdown:
Introducing laws like the “Foreign Agents” law, modeled after Russia’s, to suppress NGOs and media. This is a clear move to silence critics and opposition voices, reducing their ability to mobilize and inform the public.
7/24

🗳 Manipulation of Electoral Processes:
Georgian Dream has a history of fraud, from voter intimidation to ballot stuffing. The 2020 elections were marred by such irregularities.
Expect more of the same in 2024.
8/24

🗺 Gerrymandering and Voter Suppression:
Georgian Dream has manipulated district boundaries to dilute opposition support. In regions where opposition parties have strong backing, redistricting has split these areas to weaken their voting power.
9/24
researchgate.net/publication/35…

📉 Reducing Opposition Turnout:
Tactics like closing polling stations in opposition strongholds or scheduling elections on inconvenient dates etc. aim to reduce voter turnout where opposition support is high. This undermines the democratic process and skews results.
10/24

🗳 Specific Examples:
In the 2020 elections, polling stations in opposition-heavy areas like Zugdidi and Kutaisi faced logistical issues and closures, reducing voter access. Such measures are designed to frustrate and disenfranchise opposition voters.
11/24

🌍 Diaspora Voters:
Georgian Dream has made it difficult for diaspora voters to participate. Limited polling stations, bureaucratic hurdles, and misinformation campaigns all serve to disenfranchise Georgians abroad who might vote against them.
12/24
caucasuswatch.de/en/news/disput…

🏢 Limited Polling Stations:
In the 2020 elections, there were very few polling stations abroad, especially in countries with large Georgian communities.
This was no accident; it’s a calculated move to reduce opposition votes.
13/24

🔒 Security Concerns and Intimidation:
Diaspora voters have reported intimidation and pressure, particularly those vocal about their opposition to Georgian Dream. This includes threats against their families back in Georgia.
14/24

🗣 Manipulation of Overseas Vote Counting:
The vote counting process abroad is often opaque, leading to accusations of tampering. Ensuring transparency in counting is critical, but Georgian Dream seems to prefer the shadows.
15/24

🚨 Rigging:
The combination of these tactics illustrates a concerted effort by Georgian Dream and Bidzina Ivanishvili to manipulate the electoral system. Understanding these strategies is crucial for advocating fair and transparent elections in Georgia - this October.
16/24

🔎 State Media Propaganda:
State-run media frequently broadcasts biased content supporting Georgian Dream while discrediting opposition. This propaganda machine shapes public opinion and diminishes fair electoral competition.
17/24

🛑 Civil Society Resistance:
NGOs and civil society groups are tirelessly working to expose these tactics and demand fair elections. Their efforts are crucial for maintaining democratic integrity. This is the main motivation for GD and Ivanishvili to implement the “Russian Law.”
18/24
france24.com/en/live-news/2…

🎓 Impact on Youth:
Young Georgians, eager for EU integration and democratic reforms, are particularly disillusioned by these tactics. Many are actively protesting and advocating for fair elections. They are still the hope for change this October.
19/24

🔄 Historical Context:
Georgian Dream has a track record of electoral manipulation. Past elections have seen similar tactics, and the 2024 elections are set to continue this pattern. Their dominance in social media disinformation ad to this.
20/24

📢 Spread the Word:
It’s essential to raise awareness about these issues. Share this thread to inform others about the critical situation in Georgia and the fight for democracy.
21/24

✊ Stay Informed and Act:
The future of Georgia’s democracy depends on informed citizens and international support. Let’s stand together for fair and transparent elections.
22/24

We are fighting against a pro-Russian party with unlimited resources that has corrupted an entire country and a pro-Russian oligarch who has everything to lose.
They will use any means - legal, treasonous, and violent - to ensure victory in October.
We have to stop them!
23/24

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