In the tense run-up to October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia, supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party and the pro-Western opposition have been taking to the streets of Tbilisi to rally for what the opposition has called a choice between the West and Russia.
Georgians Rally In Tbilisi Ahead Of Crucial Vote
A general view over the crowd at Georgian Dream party closing rally in the capital on October 23.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has been in power since 2012 and seeks another four-year term.
GD has adopted controversial laws banning "LGBT propaganda" and restricting the activities of NGOs and media that receive foreign funding.
The son of Bidzina Ivanishvili, Tsotne Ivanishvili (center), and sportsman and deputy candidate Geno Petriashvili (second right) join the procession of supporters of the Georgian Dream before the start of the pre-election rally.
Tsotne Ivanishvili (left) and Petriashvili meet with supporters and speak to parawrestler Vakhtang Akhobadze.
Supporters of the ruling party gather before the march.
Members of the Georgian Dream youth organization held a march from the Philharmonic to Rustaveli Avenue, which was joined by Tsotne Ivanishvili.
Supporters carried a huge Georgian flag during the march.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on October 26. For the opposition, the vote represents a choice between the West and Russia.
Georgian Dream organized buses for supporters, activists, and public servants from across the country to attend the Tbilisi rally.
Supporters of Georgia's pro-Western and pro-EU opposition groups hold a joint final campaign rally ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Tbilisi on October 20.
Tens of thousands of pro-Europe Georgians took to the streets of Tbilisi on October 20 to rally against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of being Russia-friendly, ahead of parliamentary elections.