Georgia: Parliamentary elections on Oct. 26; demonstrations scheduled and heightened security likely

Heightened security is likely, and demonstrations have been planned nationwide in the run-up to the Oct. 26 parliamentary election. The breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not included in Georgia's regions participating in the parliamentary elections. In the other regions of Georgia, events held by competing political parties and supporters will likely occur in the days leading up to the election day. Major demonstrations will occur on Oct. 20 in central squares of most urban centers across Georgia. The main events are:

• Batumi: Participants will gather at the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University from 18:00 and march towards Europe Square from 19:00

• Tbilisi: Participants will gather at different locations from 17:00 (First Republic Square, Heroes Square, Kote Marjanishvili Square, and 300 Aragveli Square), and march towards Liberty Square, where a demonstration will be held.

Authorities will likely deploy increased security to monitor the gatherings and impose traffic restrictions near voting centers. Localized road travel and transport disruptions are likely near protest sites and polling stations until at least Oct. 26. Violence is possible between law enforcement officers, demonstrators, and supporters of competing political parties. Further protests and associated tight security are likely in the hours and days following the election.