GEORGIA PULLS OFF A PEACEFUL, FAIR ELECTION:

Sarah,

It’s true, Georgia is also a country.  It is miniature, just south of Russia and was part of the Soviet Union from 1921 to 1991.  It has since struggled to free itself from Russia’s influence and even fought a very one-sided war with Russia in 2008.

 

What Happened?

A billionaire named Bidzina Ivanishvili won an election and ousted the political party that has dominated Georgia since 2003.  His platform is reconciliation with Russia (the 2008 war hurt relations) and to lessen the inequalities brought on by the transition to capitalism. 

Why Is This Interesting?

This is interesting because most of the ex-Soviet states have not fully embraced democracy.  When the Soviet Union dissolved, 15 independent countries were created.  The countries closest to Europe (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) transitioned to democracy rather easily.  Others, especially those in Central Asia, are still ruled by Soviet-style dictators.

Even in countries where elections have been held, transitions of power have been very messy.  Ukraine, for example, is very polarized.  The west of the country leans towards Europe, the east leans toward Russia.  The last couple Ukrainian elections have been marred by conflict with neither side admitting defeat.  Georgia’s election was remarkable because the current president readily and gracefully stepped down from power.

Bottom Line: This is seriously good news.  The transition to democracy is always hard, but it is especially hard when you border Russia and share a region with autocratic dictators.