Election campaigning has been both divisive and devoid of real substance. Salome Zurabishvili, officially an independent but endorsed by the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party, has run a controversial and unconvincing campaign. The opposition, although divided, has mounted an effective attack campaign against what it calls 'oligarch rule' by the GDDG's patron and head, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Post-election attacks on media and civil society groups would damage Georgia's democratic credentials.
Reduced public confidence in institutions will damage Georgia's international standing.
The prosecution service has been particularly tarnished by opposition allegations.
Ivanishvili is back in the limelight but will struggle to control the political narrative.
