Georgian Orthodox Church adopts impartial stand on parliamentary election controversy
The Georgian Orthodox Church, a prominent institution in the country, maintained its political neutrality following the October 26 parliamentary election, despite subtle indications of political leanings. your
In a statement released ahead of the election, the Church asserted its commitment to avoiding political participation, urging clerics to promote unity and peace in their speeches. Simultaneously, the Church's statement hinted at support for decisions that would foster lasting peace in Georgia and uphold traditional values within society.
This veiled support aligned with the central promises of Georgian Dream, the incumbent party that won 54% of the votes, according to disputed results tallied by the Central Election Commission. Georgian Dream pledged to keep Georgia neutral in the ongoing conflict with Russia and protect traditional values from foreign influence.
Earlier in 2024, during protests against the "foreign agents" law, the Church openly sided with the government, expressing a belief in the government's commitment to preserving traditional values.
However, the facade of unity within the Church leadership is showing cracks, with some leading clerics voicing criticism of Georgian Dream's election conduct. Bishop Saba, the bishop of North America, publicly criticized voter suppression during the elections, casting doubt on the government's narrative of free and fair elections. Particularly, he raised concerns about the lack of access to polling stations for Georgians living abroad.
In Georgia, reports circulated about widespread irregularities on election day, including ballot box stuffing, violence, and intimidation. The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy alleged that flaws in the pre-election and election-day processes hindered voters' ability to freely express their choices.
Despite these concerns, Georgian Dream officials dismissed them. Bishop Saba acknowledged the occurrence of such issues in his statement and emphasized the importance of free elections for immigrants and the nation as a whole.
Archbishop Zenon, of Dmanisi and Agarak-Tashir, had earlier implied disagreement with Georgian Dream's geopolitical course, suggesting the Church's continued ties with the West.
Responding to a query from Eurasianet, the Church's public relations department declined to elaborate on its political stance regarding the election results, stating that any statement would be published on the official page.
Irakli Machaidze provided additional reporting for this story.
Historically, the Georgian Orthodox Church has exerted considerable influence in Georgian society and politics, frequently aligning with conservative and traditional values. In the context of the 2024 parliamentary elections, marred by controversy and irregularities, the Church's stance could have attracted scrutiny if it appeared to support or align with the ruling party. However, specific details about the Church's alignment and criticism from Bishop Saba and Archbishop Zenon require further investigation beyond the available sources.
- The Church's stance on the 2024 parliamentary election results remains unclear, as the public relations department declined to elaborate further.
- Despite the veiled support shown towards Georgian Dream, the Church's position could have attracted scrutiny due to the election's controversy and irregularities.
- The Church's historical influence in Georgian society and politics, often aligned with conservative values, may have played a role in its decision to maintain political neutrality during the election.
- In the midst of the election, some leading clerics, such as Bishop Saba and Archbishop Zenon, voiced criticism and concerns about the election conduct, including voter suppression and lack of access to polling stations for Georgians living abroad.
- The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, along with reports in Georgia, pointed out various election day irregularities, such as ballot box stuffing, violence, and intimidation.
- Georgian Dream officials dismissed these concerns, while Bishop Saba emphasized the importance of free elections for immigrants and the nation as a whole.
- The Church's statement ahead of the election urged clerics to promote unity and peace, hinting at support for decisions that would foster lasting peace and uphold traditional values in Georgia.
- Georgian Dream's central promises included keeping Georgia neutral in conflicts with Russia and protecting traditional values from foreign influence.
- During earlier protests against the "foreign agents" law, the Church openly sided with the government, expressing support for preserving traditional values.
- Amid reported cracks in unity within the Church leadership, Bishop Saba and Archbishop Zenon have implied disagreement with some policies of the ruling party and its geopolitical course.
- The Church's potential influence in education, self-development, and career development could have impacted election outcomes, as policies regarding education, skills training, and job search were key issues in the election.
- The environment, mindfulness, and personal growth might not have played significant roles in the election, as they were not directly addressed by any political party during the campaign.
- Political tensions, wars, and conflicts may have influenced Georgians' opinions on policy and legislation, particularly regarding relations with Russia and foreign influence.
- In the broader global context, the ongoing war and conflicts, crime and justice, general news, fires, and accidents could have indirectly impacted the election, affecting public opinion and policy decisions in Georgia.
