Challenges and Opportunities in the Wake of Georgia's Presidential Elections

Abstract

The election of Giorgi Margvelashvili as Georgia's next president in free and fair elections marked a key milestone in Georgia's political evolution. Over the past year, the parliament has become a stronger institutional player, the courts have exerted greater independence, and the media and civil society remain pluralistic. But challenges remain in the year ahead as Georgia prepares for local elections. Chief among these is the future roles of Georgia's current out-sized leaders, Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili.