Publication

This CAD issue examines last month’s parliamentary elections in Georgia where, for the first time in the country’s history, power passed peacefully to the political opposition. Giorgi Kldiashvili first examines the course of the campaign, including the perceived impact of a highly publicized prison scandal on the election’s results. David Sichinava then overviews the regional breakdown of the results, stressing the rural-urban divide between the two parties that won seats in parliament. Third, Cory Welt examines Georgia’s prospects for further democratic development in the aftermath of the nation-wide vote. Finally, Niklas Nilsson considers the international implications of the election results. Because the voting was relatively free and fair, he believes the experience will most likely improve Georgia's relations with the West and potentially open the door to better relations with Russia.