New opinion poll reveals GD will win local elections unless Georgian opposition joins forces

TBILISI, DFWatch–A new opinion poll conducted by the Institute for Social Studies and Analysis (ISSA) reveals that support for the opposition—particularly in the capital, Tbilisi—remains high.

The nationwide poll reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the Georgian Dream (GD) government and support for opposition groups, heading toward local elections scheduled for October 4.

The survey found that 57.1% of Georgians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with just 33% saying it is on the right track. Additionally, 53% of respondents support ongoing anti-government protests.

Sociologist Iago Kachkachishvili, who presented the findings, noted particularly strong opposition support in Tbilisi, with 66% , compared to 25% for the GD.

However, internal disagreements among the opposition risks undermining its advantage. ISSA data shows that the most preferred scenario among voters is one where opposition parties unite and field joint candidates. At present, some parties plan to boycott the elections, while others intend to run independently.

If elections were held this weekend, GD would receive 35.2% of the vote, followed by the Coalition for Change (16.9%), United National Movement (14.6%), followed by a number of smaller opposition parties including Strong Georgia, Lelo, For the People, and Gakharia for Georgia.

Kachkachishvili underlined that unless opposition parties agree on joint candidates for mayors and council candidates in cities like Tbilisi, “winning at the ballot box will be extremely difficult.”