The Presidential campaign has begun and Georgia Journal decided to ask ordinary Georgians about how they see presidential campaign. Georgian Journal: What are your expectations of the presidential campaign; what is more important for you - the party belonging of the candidate or his or her program and campaign?
Zaza Barbakadze, 41, economist: For me the party belonging is most important. As for the Presidential campaign, I don’t feel the right charge for the moment compared to the previous Presidential elections. I don’t have enough information, I don’t see clear programs and I think the candidates need to communicate with people. As for the leader of these elections, I have to say that I don’t support neither National Movement nor Georgian Dream candidate but anyway I would make my choice in favor of the ruling party candidate.
Ineza Patsatsia, 61, technologist: Both the candidate and the campaign are more important for me then their party belonging. Right now I don’t have a clear view about the campaign because often promises and deeds differ from each other. I haven’t decided yet to whom I will give my vote in the presidential elections.
Dato Maisuradze, 40, driver: I like the personality of Giorgi Margvelashvili, his program, his honesty. I see the campaign quite positively: there is enough information provided by TV channels and newspapers. So, if you are interested, you won’t have problems with getting the info.
Ani Tabatadze, 22, student: I’m not following the information and I am not interested in the elections. I’m not going to participate in presidential elections; I am apolitical.
Cezari Bendianishvili, 64, economist: For me the party belonging doesn’t matter; more important for me is the personality of the candidate. I’m not clear yet whom I will vote for but for now I tend to sympathize with the candidate of Georgian Dream. I don’t like many among the candidates: for example, former chief of CEC or Salome Zurabishvili: she has to determine where she wants to be - in Georgia or in France.
Maia Endeladze, 42, teacher: the candidate and his or her campaign are more important than the party that the given candidate represents. We have a lot of information through TV and printed press. I am not clear about my preferences in these elections; there is over one month left till the elections; so we have time to think.
Q. Are you aware of the new role of the future president of Georgia due to the constitutional changes? What information do you have about it?
Z.B: I have to say that I don’t have information about it. I have my position but I’m not informed about the President’s rights. As I know, President can veto any bill.
I.P: I know that the President’s rights are curtailed. Right now, we have active president and process of cohabitation.
D.M: No, I’m not aware of it.
C.B: I think Prime Minister has a priority in most political issues and in making decisions.
M.E. In my opinion, Presidential type of state governance has never been effective in Georgia. We remember about how the presidents of Georgia Gamsakhurdia and Shevardnadze finished their respective presidencies. Even Saakashvili had his tough moments. This institute doesn’t match our mentality. The new system may prove better for us. We can try.