Indexes

Historically, pre-election periods have shown heightened polarization, with the index often peaking on election day as tensions rise and public discourse intensifies. However, this election cycle defied expectations, as both the pre-election period and election day were notably calm. While the polarization index remained stable overall, it continues to respond to specific events and shows fluctuations throughout the month.

Calm before the storm: the polarization index remained stable in September. During the month, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, unveiled its candidate list featuring well-known athletes. Meanwhile, two opposition parties attempted, but failed, to form a new coalition ahead of the upcoming election. In addition, leaders of the Georgian Dream stirred controversy with remarks about the 2008 war with Russia.

Despite the fact that political parties had already begun their pre-election campaigns, August was relatively quiet, with less activity and a noticeable decline in media polarisation compared to the previous month.

In July, the Polarization Index saw another rise, marked by significant events such as the United States indefinitely postponing the "Worthy Partner 2024" military exercise, President Salome Zurabishvili returning a package of amendments related to the Pension Law to Parliament, and the President's appointment of a non-judge member to the Supreme Council of Justice, who the court later suspended. Conversely, the index experienced a decrease during periods of opposition party unification and notable performances by Georgian athletes in the Olympics.

Following a peak in polarization in May, attributed to the adoption of the 'Law of Foreign Influence,' there was a dramatic decline in polarization throughout the first month of summer. This decrease coincided with the successful participation of the Georgian football team in Euro 2024, which fostered a sense of national unity and pride.