“We have our own tactics and strategy. The only people we are accountable to are our voters. We don’t care what other parties say or what kind of hysteria they try to stir up, including staged or scripted performances,” said Anna Buchukuri, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party, when discussing the upcoming local elections.

According to Buchukuri, the party’s position on the elections is clear and well-known. She expressed interest in what the boycotting parties plan to offer voters going forward.

“Boycott, by its nature, is not an action. It is inaction, a refusal to act. If parties tell their voters that their plan is to do nothing, what comes next? What do they offer after the boycott? We make our decisions independently of the opinions of other parties or individuals. We have our own path and we stick to it. Some have lost credibility—that’s their problem, not ours. It doesn’t affect us. I hope Lelo also makes a rational decision. Consistency with voters is essential for any political party,” Buchukuri added.