Following the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, in an interview with Associated Press, stated that the elections were tainted by an “#Armenian carousel,” a racist term that refers to the practice of voters casting multiple votes at different polling stations. This discriminatory and Armenophobic remark has perpetuated negative stereotypes against the Armenian community.
An excerpt from an interview with President Zurabishvili. pic.twitter.com/iBxIlD8nhc
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) October 29, 2024
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, secured a decisive victory, winning 54% of the votes and claiming 89 out of 150 seats in the parliament. Despite this strong showing, four opposition parties crossed the electoral threshold, each garnering approximately 10% of the votes. However, they have collectively refused to accept their mandates, citing widespread election fraud. President Zurabishvili has echoed these sentiments, publicly challenging the legitimacy of the election results.Official data reveals that both Azerbaijanis and Armenians in Georgia largely supported the ruling party. Georgian Dream won an overwhelming majority in cities with significant ethnic populations: in the Armenian-majority cities of Akhalkalak (88%) and Ninotsminda (90%), as well as in the Azerbaijani-majority areas of Marneuli (80%) and Bolnisi (81%).
The president’s remarks parallel statements made by former President Mikheil Saakashvili during the campaign, in which they referenced “the fate of Armenia.” Such implications that Armenia’s future is tied to the outcomes of Georgian elections are considered unacceptable and inappropriate, particularly as they aim to sway the votes of Georgian citizens of Armenian descent.
Nikol Pashinyan took to Twitter to extend a congratulatory message to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, celebrating the impressive victory of the Georgian Dream Party in the parliamentary elections.
ვულოცავ საქართველოს პრემიერ-მინისტრს, ირაკლი კობახიძეს და პარტია „ქართულ ოცნებას“ საპარლამენტო არჩევნებში გამარჯვებას. მჯერა, რომ სომხეთი-საქართველო სტრატეგიული ურთიერთობები გააგრძელებს მდგრად განვითარებას – 🇦🇲 და 🇬🇪 მოძმე ხალხების საკეთილდღეოდ
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) October 27, 2024
Historically, Armenian-Georgian relations have been strong, and there is a widespread belief that these ties will continue irrespective of the electoral outcomes in Georgia. However, under Georgian Dream’s leadership, the country has gradually shifted away from its pro-European orientation, opting for a more pragmatic approach in its relations with Russia and China. This strategic pivot raises questions about its potential implications for Armenia, a nation that has traditionally viewed Georgia as an ally.
As the political landscape in Georgia continues to evolve, the ramifications of these elections and the rhetoric surrounding them will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the historical ties between the two nations. The controversy surrounding the president’s comments serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in Armenian-Georgian relations and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
