Gia Khukhashvili: According to political logic, in 2026 the government will definitely need to hold snap elections
According to political analyst Gia Khukhashvili, by restricting emigrants’ voting rights, the government is trying to insure itself in advance, because the diaspora is “mainly opposition-minded.”
Speaking on Palitra News’ program “360 Degrees,” the political analyst noted that snap elections in 2026 are inevitable for the government — not because of pressure from the opposition, but because of the country’s developmental logic.
“The government is insuring itself in advance. They understand that the diaspora is mainly opposition-minded. People are in emigration because the current government cannot create an employment environment in Georgia. The government does not rule out that the diaspora becomes very active; this could become a serious problem for them. That’s why they are protecting themselves and closing off this segment.”
According to Khukhashvili, political logic dictates that the government will need snap elections in 2026:
“Not because society or the opposition forces them, but because the country’s developmental logic will push the government to take this step.”
He described two possible developments:
Georgia continues dynamically moving toward reintegration into the Russian imperial system, synchronizing with Russia’s economy, governance model, and propaganda machine.
If Russia becomes seriously weakened and Putin faces problems, Ivanishvili could ‘throw Russia overboard.’
“Today he is Russia’s hostage and implements Russia’s policy — but that doesn’t mean Ivanishvili cannot ‘drop’ Russia. He is a master of betrayal and could start a major turnaround.”
According to Khukhashvili, Russia is likely demanding full integration, including removal of Article 78 from the Constitution, but Georgian Dream cannot do that without a constitutional majority:
“Therefore, based on a directive received from Russia, they will be forced to hold elections and secure an absolute majority to make constitutional changes. That is one scenario. In both scenarios, elections in 2026 are inevitable.”
He added that Ivanishvili needs 1–2 months to decide which geopolitical direction to follow, but either way he knows elections cannot be avoided, so preparations are already underway:
“The goal is to create a maximally beneficial environment for the ruling party.”
On the opposition
Khukhashvili also criticized the opposition, saying the problem is not only politicians but also young people who claim they don’t trust the current political class but do not take steps themselves:
“They say they don’t like the politicians — understood. But what are you doing? Why don’t you step up to take leadership? Politics is not done from TV studios and virtually. The opposition needs systemic rebooting.”
He argued that the capabilities of the existing political class have been exhausted:
“I don’t think the current political class can change anything in the country. Their resources are practically exhausted — they are locked inside one scheme. At this moment, the opposition is busy insulting each other; they’ve forgotten about Bidzina altogether.”
Khukhashvili also spoke about President Salome Zurabishvili, saying she “lost a unique political opportunity” and today only limits herself to statements:
“She was at her peak — she had a unique opportunity to capitalize on enormous protest energy, but she missed it. Now she only makes statements from time to time. Yes, she still has great potential on the foreign front, but in domestic politics she missed her chance. She lacked both experience and intuition.”
