Republic of Georgia votes in election that could take it toward EU or into Russia’s orbit

Georgians headed to the polls Saturday in a ballot many of the country’s citizens see as a make-or-break vote on the opportunity to join the European Union.

The parliamentary campaign in the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people bordering Russia has been dominated by foreign policy and marked by a bitter fight for votes and allegations of a smear campaign. It will determine whether Georgia gets back on track to EU membership or embraces authoritarianism and falls into Russia’s orbit.

Some Georgians complained of intimidation and being pressured to vote for the ruling party, Georgian Dream, while the opposition accused the party of carrying out a “hybrid war” against its citizens.

Bidzina Ivanishvili — a shadowy billionaire who set up Georgian Dream and made his fortune in Russia — has vowed to ban opposition parties, should his party win, and hold them “fully accountable” for “war crimes.” He did not explain what crimes he believes the opposition has committed or offer evidence.

Many believe the election may be the most crucial vote since Georgia gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Georgians want “European integration, want to move forward and want policies which will bring us a better, more stable, future,” Qristine Tordia, 29, told the Associated Press shortly after voting in Tbilisi.

Around 80% of Georgians favor joining the EU, according to polls, and the country’s constitution obliges its leaders to pursue membership in that bloc and NATO.

But Brussels put Georgia’s bid for entry to the EU on hold indefinitely after the ruling party passed a “Russian law” cracking down on freedom of speech in June. Many Georgians fear the party is dragging the country toward authoritarianism and killing off hopes it could join the EU.

The election is “not just about changing government, it is about whether Georgia survives or not because Ivanishvili’s government means Russia,” said Nika Gvaramia, leader of Coalition for Changes, an opposition group.

Ivanishvili voted Saturday morning under heavy security. He did not respond when asked by the AP if he wanted to form an alliance with Russia.

He said the election is a choice between a “government that will serve you,” or “choosing agents of a foreign country which will fulfill the requests of the foreign country only.” Ivanishvili did not indicate which country he was referring to but ahead of the election he and his officials claimed a “Global War Party” was seeking to influence the EU and the U.S., widen the conflict in Ukraine, and force Georgian Dream from power.

Opposition parties told voters they would pursue EU membership even though laws passed by Georgian Dream have put that hope on hold.

Burrows writes for the Associated Press. AP producer Sophiko Megrelidze contributed to this report.