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Since snap elections in 2008, Georgia has taken significant steps forward in securing the legitimacy of their elections and of their governance at large.  In 2010, the mayor of Tbilisi became a popularly elected position, resulting in increased responsiveness to citizen needs.  In October 2010, parliament adopted a slate of constitutional reforms designed to realign the system of governance toward a more parliamentary model and away from the current strong presidential system, which will take effect following the presidential election in 2013.  Unlike the snap elections in 2008, which were called in response to public protests, the 2012 election cycle arrived as part of a natural political cycle.  The parliament served its full four-year term, and by fall 2013, the president will have served his full term as well.

Download Summary (PDF)
Since snap elections in 2008, Georgia has taken significant steps forward in securing the legitimacy of their elections and of their governance at large.  In 2010, the mayor of Tbilisi became a popularly elected position, resulting in increased responsiveness to citizen needs.  In October 2010, parliament adopted a slate of constitutional reforms designed to realign the system of governance toward a more parliamentary model and away from the current strong presidential system, which will take effect following the presidential election in 2013.  Unlike the snap elections in 2008, which were called in response to public protests, the 2012 election cycle arrived as part of a natural political cycle.  The parliament served its full four-year term, and by fall 2013, the president will have served his full term as well.

To support Georgians in their efforts to strengthen their democracy, IRI focuses on three areas.  The first is political party development, assisting parties as they develop issue-based platforms and improve their ability to address constituent concerns.  The second is empowering marginalized groups, specifically women and youth to help them become more involved in the political process.  The third component is public opinion research, fielding nation-wide polls and holding regional focus groups to gather scientific data on the opinions of the electorate so that government officials and political parties can respond to those concerns.

In its political party programming, IRI works with all the major parties to develop more positive, issue-based platforms and campaigns and move away from parties that are centralized and leader-focused.  IRI programs provide a forum where party activists focus on developing strategic plans, strengthening organizational structures, recruiting new party members, and developing and communicating messages that resonate with voters 

The political arena in Georgia has traditionally marginalized women, youth and minorities.  IRI works with women and youth wings of political parties to bring them into and to actively participate in the political process.  In 2010, IRI launched several multi-party youth projects such as a televised debate competition which encouraged pluralism and recruiting, and motivated youth to join in the political process. 
 
IRI’s work with political parties is informed by extensive national public opinion polling.  Through semi-annual polling on attitudes about issues and political leaders, IRI is able to present parties from across the political spectrum with scientific data on the views of the electorate.