End to an Era: Transfer of Power in Georgia

In conjunction with the parliamentary elections in 2012, the presidential elections in Georgia in October 2013 marked a turning point in the political history of the young state. By holding free and fair elections on two occasions within one year, the country has passed the test of democracy twice over. And it was not just the observance of democratic principles that was impressive but above all the fact that there was an orderly and peaceful transfer of power for the first time since the country gained its independence 22 years ago. The events have also consolidated Georgia’s unique position as a democratic country in a region where most political systems can hardly be considered solid democracies. However controversial the President of the Rose Revolution, Mikheil Saakashvili, may be, he deserves credit for the peaceful transfer of power and it will be his legacy.