As Georgian voters gear up for parliamentary elections on October 26, the ruling party Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, dominates the campaign with colorful posters advocating for peace over war. The stark images compare war-torn Ukraine to prosperous Georgia, framing the election as a choice between stability and conflict. However, President Salome Zurabishvili criticized the campaign for its insensitivity towards Ukrainians.
In rural villages like Karaleti, the narrative is different, with locals like Bondo the baker prioritizing peace but remaining apolitical. Past experiences of Russian invasion in the region weigh heavily on the minds of residents like Marina, who fear a repeat of the past atrocities. The upcoming election holds significant implications for the country’s future trajectory.