Georgia votes in an election that could take it toward the EU or into Russia's orbit

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgians headed to the polls Saturday in a ballot many citizens see as a make-or-break vote on the opportunity to join the European Union.

The pre-election campaign in the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people which borders Russia has been dominated by foreign policy and marked by a bitter fight for votes and allegations of a smear campaign. It will determine whether Georgia gets back on track to EU membership or embraces authoritarianism and falls into Russia’s orbit.

Some Georgians complained of intimidation and being pressured to vote for the ruling party, Georgian Dream, while the opposition accused the party of carrying out a “hybrid war” against its citizens.

Ahead of the parliamentary election, Bidzina Ivanishvili — a shadowy billionaire who set up Georgian Dream and made his fortune in Russia — vowed again to ban opposition parties should his party win.

Georgian Dream will hold opposition parties “fully accountable under the full force of the law” for “war crimes” committed against the people of Georgia, Ivanishvili said at a pro-government rally in the capital Tbilisi Wednesday. He did not explain what crimes he believes the opposition has committed.

Many believe the election may be the most crucial vote since Georgia gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“It's an existential election,” Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said.

Georgians want “European integration, want to move forward and want policies which will bring us a better, more stable, future,” Qristine Tordia, 29, told The Associated Press shortly after voting in the capital, Tbilisi.

Around 80% of Georgians favor joining the EU according to polls and the country’s constitution obliges its leaders to pursue membership in that bloc and NATO.

But Brussels put Georgia’s bid for entry to the EU on hold indefinitely after the ruling party passed a “Russian law” cracking down on freedom of speech in June. Many Georgians fear the party is dragging the country towards authoritarianism and killing off hopes it could join the EU.

The election is "not just about changing government, it is about whether Georgia survives or not because Ivanishvili’s government means Russia,” said Nika Gvaramia, leader of Coalition for Changes, an opposition group.

Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, voted Saturday morning under heavy security. He did not respond when asked by the AP if he wanted to form an alliance with Russia.

He said the election is a choice between a “government that will serve you,” or “choosing agents of a foreign country which will fulfill the requests of the foreign country only." Ivanishvili did not indicate which country he was referring to but ahead of the election Ivanishvili and his officials claimed a “Global War Party” was seeking to influence the EU and the U.S., widen the conflict in Ukraine, and force Georgian Dream from power.

The vote will see Georgians elect 150 lawmakers from 18 parties. If no party wins the 76 seats required to form a government for a four-year term, the president will invite the largest party to form a coalition.

The opposition parties have ignored Zourabichvili’s request to unite into a single party but have signed up to her “charter” to carry out the reforms required by the EU to join.

Zourabichvili told the AP on Thursday she believed most Georgians would mobilize to vote “despite some instances of intimidation, despite the use of state resources ... and the use of financial resources" by the government.

Georgian Dream took out billboards across the country contrasting black-and-white images of destruction in Ukraine with colorful images of life in Georgia alongside the slogan, “Say no to war — choose peace.”

The governing and opposition parties told voters they would pursue EU membership even though laws passed by Georgian Dream have put that hope on hold.

“The EU decided to stop Georgia’s integration process unilaterally,” said Vakhtang Asanidze, who spoke to AP at a pro-government rally in Tbilisi. He said he saw no reason why Georgia could not join the EU in spite of the laws.

At the EU summit last week, EU leaders said they have “serious concerns regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian government."

While Georgian Dream has adopted laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on its critics, voters at the pro-government rally said they did not view the election as a choice between Russia or Europe.

“We remember everything about Russia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” said Latavra Dashniani at the rally, referring to Russia's occupation of 20% of Georgian territory after the two countries fought a short war in 2008.

Voting for the ruling party, she said, would ensure Georgia enters Europe “with dignity," alluding to its conservative values, including opposition to rights for LGBTQ+ people.

Polls opened in the parliamentary election at 8 a.m. local time and will close 12 hours later.

Georgian Dream stands against three coalitions: the Unity National Movement, the Coalition for Changes Lelo, and Strong Georgia.

The Gakharia for Georgia party, set up by former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia, said it will not go into an alliance with anyone but will support the opposition to form a government.

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Associated Press producer Sophiko Megrelidze contributed to this report

People queue to vote at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

People cast their ballots at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

CORRECTS PARTY NAME - Zurab Japaridze, chairman of the Girchi More Freedom party, holds his ballot at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

CORRECTS PARTY NAME - Zurab Japaridze, chairman of the Girchi More Freedom party, holds his ballot at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

People get their ballots at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

People fill their ballots at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Zurab Japaridze, co-founder and chair of the Libertarian party, speaks to journalists next to a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Zurab Japaridze, co-founder and chair of the Libertarian party, holds his ballot at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Zurab Japaridze, co-founder and chair of the Libertarian party, holds his ballot at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party attend a rally in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

Supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party attend a rally in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

Supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party attend a rally in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

Demonstrators attend an opposition rally ahead upcoming next week parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Demonstrators march during an opposition rally ahead upcoming next week parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Demonstrators attend an opposition rally ahead upcoming next week parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — The All Blacks overcame a spirited start by Japan to run in 10 tries on the way to a 64-19 win Saturday in the first of five matches on their Northern Hemisphere tour.

Japan scored the opening try of the match and New Zealand didn't lead until the 15th minute when new captain Patrick Tuipulotu scored its second try. Japan scored again and almost retrieved the lead with a spectacular third try which was disallowed for a knock-on.

New Zealand eventually settled and began to pile on points, leading 43-12 at halftime. But the match at times was a shaky dress rehearsal for much tougher matches against England, Ireland and France over the next few weeks.

“We have to be more consistent in our set piece. We left a lot of lineouts out there,” Tuipulotu said. "Also our scrum, we didn't get the good march out of it that we wanted. That will be work-on for us, especially against the good European teams that love set piece.”

The All Blacks named their heaviest-ever front row with two props weighing in at more than 300 pounds (140 kilograms) but couldn't assert any early scrum dominance over Japan.

The Brave Blossoms under Australia-born head coach Eddie Jones pounced on early errors by the All Blacks to score tries through winger Jone Naikabula and backrower Faulua Makisi and thrill a crowd in excess of 60,000 at the Nissan Stadium.

When the All Blacks last played at the stadium in 2019 they lost in a World Cup semifinal to an England team coached by Jones.

The All Blacks scored immediately after a try to Japan's New Zealand-born lock Warner Dearns was disallowed in the 21st minute. New Zealand flyhalf Damian McKenzie was sacked in a tackle by Makisi, the ball sprang free and Dearns recovered it and dashed 40 meters to score.

But the ball was knocked-on in the tackle. Center Billy Proctor scored immediately afterward and New Zealand added tries to Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau and props Pasilio Tosi and Tamaiti Willaims to take control of the match.

“When we had that try disallowed you could visibly see our energy drop,” Jones said. "Our attention to detail dropped and New Zealand scored 29 points in that period and the game was lost. But I thought in the second half we showed plenty of spirit, plenty of character and played some good rugby.”

The All Blacks scored their eighth try in 44th minute through returning scrumhalf Cam Roigard. Roigard didn't play in New Zealand's mid-year tests or in the Rugby Championship while recuperating from a knee injury.

The match became scrappy from then on as both teams went to their benches. Japan replaced its captain, flyhalf Harumichi Tatekawa in the 55th minute, while Hurricanes teammates Peter Lakai and Love came off the New Zealand bench to make test debuts.

Naikabula almost scored a second try but was stopped in the right corner by Damian McKenzie. McKenzie also made a try-saving tackle on Yoshitaka Yazaki but he was left grasping at air when Opeti Helu scored a try on debut for Japan in the 69th minute.

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

New Zealand's Cam Roigard, right, reactsduring a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Asafo Aumua passes the ball to teammate Cam Roigard, left, during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Billy Proctor makes a run during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Damian McKenzie attempts to break a tackle during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

Japan's Opeti Helu scores his team's third try during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Cam Roigard, right, takes a pass from teammate Billy Proctor during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Ruben Love reaches out to score a try during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Sam Cane runs to the try line as Japan's Shuhei Takeuchi, left, attempts a tackle during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

Japan coach Eddie Jones watches as his players warm up ahead of the rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson, left, stands with his inside centre Anton Lienert-Brown as they warm up ahead of the rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

Japan's Yoshitaka Yazaki, right, attempts to catch the ball as New Zealand's Mark Tele'a watches during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Billy Proctor scores a try during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Patrick Tuipulotu reaches out to score a try during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Billy Proctor scores a try during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Sam Cane reaches out to score a try as Japan's Shuhei Takeuchi, left, attempts a tackle during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

New Zealand's Patrick Tuipulotu runs to the try line during a rugby test match between the All Blacks and Japan at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)