2021 local elections in Georgia: geographic patterns of voter turnout
Keywords:
local elections, Georgia, voter turnout, voting, electoral geographyAbstract
The paper outlines the main geographic features of voter turnout in Georgia’s 2021 local elections. The research findings are primarely based on the analysis of official data of 2021 municipal (local) elections. Traditionally, Georgian public had been demonstrating lack of interest towards municipal elections and resultant low voter turnout; however, the latest elections marked considerable difference, as it was preceded by acute political confrontation. For the first time in Georgia’s history, municipal elections involved more than half of total electorate (52%). The research confirms that voter turnout in Georgia is high when high political odds are at stake. Voter turnout is higher in rural, especially smaller settlements. Factor of social solidarity conditions not only high turnout but also high number of political parties in local councils (Sakrebulos).References
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