Georgians are heading to the polls to determine whether to end 12 years of increasingly authoritarian rule, with this election playing a vital role in shaping the country's future towards the European Union.

Georgia, which shares a border with Russia, is facing accusations from the opposition that the ruling Georgian Dream party is shifting its focus away from the West and back towards Russia. The EU has halted Georgia's application for membership due to concerns over "democratic backsliding."

"I voted for a new Georgia," said pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili.

This Saturday's election has been termed the most significant since Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Reports indicate incidents of scuffles and voting irregularities at polling stations as tensions rose.

Approximately 3.5 million Georgians are eligible to cast their votes until 16:00 GMT in this high-stakes election. The opposition frames the vote as a choice between aligning with Europe or succumbing to Russian influence, while the government presents it as a decision about peace or conflict.

The Georgian Dream party is widely expected to secure the most votes. However, four opposition groups believe they can join forces to unseat the ruling party and revive Georgia's aspirations for EU membership.

Recent surveys indicate that about four out of five voters support joining the EU in this South Caucasus nation, which has a history of conflict with Russia, including a five-day war in 2008.

Last December, the EU designated Georgia as a candidate for membership. However, progress was stalled after the government enacted a controversial law reminiscent of Russian legislation, which requires organizations to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive 20% of their funding from abroad.

The political landscape in Georgia has grown increasingly polarized, with the Georgian Dream party, led by the country's wealthiest individual, Bidzina Ivanishvili, vying for a fourth term in office.

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