Georgian parliamentary election passes democratic test

Georgia’s parliamentary election has been hailed by the United States, European Union and Russia. The White House said the vote was a milestone in Georgia’s democratic development and was a regional and global example for a competitive campaign, while the EU said Georgia demonstrated respect for fundamental freedoms. Russia, meanwhile, welcomed a change from the antagonistic relationship it has had with President Mikheil Saakashvili. The election, according to preliminary results, is set to deliver the country’s first democratic transfer of power. International election observers, though noting certain irregularities, have largely given the election high marks so far.

Brad Wells: The conduct of the election and Saakashvili’s promise to accept rival party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and his cabinet is a true testament of Georgian democracy. However, going forward the torchbearer is a relative unknown. Ivanishivili is starting with a blank political track record, though he has been saying all of the right things on the campaign trail. We will monitor his first moves as prime minister for signs of his actual policy trajectory and commitment to Georgia’s post-Rose Revolution democratic gains.