Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia, affirmed her intention to stay in office after the election, citing a lack of legitimacy in the current Parliament. She emphasized that her role represents popular legitimacy. The upcoming election on December 14 will see the presidency filled by an Electoral College for the first time, amidst significant political unrest and opposition from various parties.
Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, has confirmed her intention to remain in her presidential role following the upcoming elections. In an interview with Ukrinform, she stated, “Personally, I intend to remain President after the election. I will stay President until the end of my term, up to the inauguration. But only the inauguration of a legitimate President.” She articulated her perspective that if the Parliament is not legitimate, any President inaugurated subsequent to that Parliament’s formation would also lack legitimacy.
Zourabichvili asserted, “I do not have power. So I am not staying in power, but I remain the embodiment of the people’s legitimacy,” which she believes is derived not only from her election but also from popular support. She commented on the current political environment in Georgia, describing it as a real autocracy dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which exercises extensive control over state institutions and public services. As such, she views her role as a necessary continuation of the people’s support amid these circumstances.
The forthcoming presidential election is set for December 14, and for the first time, the President will be chosen not by a public vote but by an Electoral College. This College will consist of 300 members, including 150 parliamentary deputies, representatives from regional councils, and party-nominated members according to established quotas based on the results of the previous local elections. Opposition deputies are anticipated to abstain from voting, given their refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the current Parliament.
Candidates for the presidency include Irakli Garibashvili, leader of the ruling party, and Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, son of the first President of Georgia. The inauguration of the newly elected President is scheduled for December 29.
The political landscape in Georgia has become increasingly complex due to the significant influence wielded by the ruling Georgian Dream party. President Salome Zourabichvili’s insistence on remaining in office reflects her position amid allegations regarding the lack of legitimacy of the current Parliament due to perceived electoral irregularities. Moreover, the transition to an Electoral College for presidential elections signifies a shift away from direct public voting, raising questions about democratic representation in Georgia. These developments unfold as opposition parties challenge the ruling government’s authority, further complicating the political situation ahead of the presidential election.
In summary, President Salome Zourabichvili has declared her intent to maintain her role until a legitimately elected President takes office. She has criticized the current ruling structures and expressed a commitment to embodying the people’s legitimacy. With significant political changes coming through the new Electoral College system, there remain notable concerns regarding the perceived legitimacy of both the Parliament and the electoral processes in Georgia.
Original Source: www.ukrinform.net
