On the whole, the results of the elections in Georgia are logical. Saakashvili might have used the management reserves, but they were no more than 2-5%, according to different estimates. Judging by the information provided by experts, "corrections" to the final results by the authorities did not determine the result. It was the weakness of the opposition, not the strength of Saakashvili, that determined this state of affairs resulting in these polls. There is absolutely nothing here to be surprised at. The opposition is uncoordinated, there is no organization which can really oppose to the current regime, there are isolated figures who are mostly orientated to self-advertisement, they do not have any alternative programme, so there is no real struggle, especially a struggle of ideologies. Neither are there grounds for believing that, after the elections, the Georgian authorities will change their policy.
What objective preconditions are there to make Saakashvili change his domestic or foreign policy after a successful election campaign? Saakashvili obtained a substantial vote of confidence from the people.
Not even in him, but in the direction of policy. It allows the president of Georgia firstly to state that we have had fair democratic elections, secondly that it is good the opposition polled enough to be represented in local authorities. Saakashvili's conclusion is that "democratization of Georgia is taking its course".
I agree with the political scientist Alexander Karavyev, that Russia will be obliged to deal with this regime for a long time. In the spring of 2012 there will be parliamentary elections in Georgia, in January 2013 - elections for the president will be held. Their results are unlikely to encourage the opponents of the incumbent president.
Alexei Vlasov, exclusively for VK.
