Georgia's High-Stakes Parliamentary Elections: Russia vs. West

Georgia is holding a parliamentary election on Oct. 26. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, is vying for a fourth term, and has recently leaned towards Russia, creating friction with the pro-West opposition. The stakes are high with international implications, deepened by recent authoritarian legislation.

As Georgia heads to the polls on October 26, the country's future hangs in the balance. The parliamentary election sees the ruling Georgian Dream party vying for a fourth term while facing an opposition that champions integration with Western powers.

The high stakes are evident; Georgian Dream has shifted towards a pro-Russian stance, accusing Western countries of wanting to drag Georgia into war with Russia. This pivot has not gone unnoticed, causing friction at home and abroad.

The election comes amid a backdrop of controversial laws and protests. Georgian opposition parties remain divided, but hope to draw enough support to form a coalition government, challenging Georgian Dream's grip on power.

(With inputs from agencies.)