Importance of 2012 elections for human rights

“The Georgian Dream party has proven that the center of all the amendments, reforms and steps is a human being,” said Georgian Dream leader and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in a statement released in relation to the anniversary of winning the parliamentary elections on October 1, 2012.

"Today is October 1 - Victory Day! The day when people won in our country! Today, I want to announce once again that the success and prosperity of ordinary citizens of our country is the main aim of our state.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili [former prime minister and billionaire who united several parties in 2012 to defeat the nine-year rule of the United National Movement ] united the whole country around this principle and we won the elections on October 1, 2012, together with the people,” Kvirikashvili announced.

Prime Minister claimed that together with the people of Georgia, the ruling party would build a developed, united, progressive country with modern education, strong villages, our culture and traditions.

“I believe in my people, our country's progress and successful future," he stressed.

It is true that in terms of human rights protection, the situation is much better under the Georgian Dream leadership than it was under the United National Movement government.

People are no longer afraid to speak their minds and there are no threats that somebody may be sent to prison or killed for their views.

However, a consistent threat for countries like Georgia is one-party governance.

Last year, the Georgian Dream party gained 116 seats in the 150-member legislative body and gained the power to make amendments to laws with no support of the opposition.

This October, municipal elections are scheduled.

If the Georgian Dream again manages to occupy most of the seats, this will not be beneficial for the state’s development and progress, as any country striving towards democracy requires strong opposition parties.

It was the lack of a parliamentary opposition and power in the hands of only one party encouraged the United National Movement leadership to violate fundamental human rights.