The Freedom Square party issued a statement regarding their stance on participating in upcoming local self-governance elections.

In the statement, the party emphasized that contesting in elections is a fundamental role for any political organization, especially a newly established one, as it offers the best opportunity for growth and development.

The party clarified that it would consider engaging in the elections if, after thorough consultations with voters, it believed that mobilising democratic forces and participating in the local race could hasten the Georgian Dream’s removal from power and contribute to the release of political prisoners.

“Freedom Square does not intend to partake in a premeditated scam aimed at undermining democracy. The election administration in Georgia is neither independent nor impartial. There are numerous ways to manipulate the elections, and few means to ensure proper oversight. Civic and media freedoms are eroding, the judiciary is failing to safeguard citizens’ rights, and elections are overseen by the State Security Service, undermining transparency and trust in the process. Our associates, over 60 political prisoners, are abducted from streets and unjustly detained, and we wish to compete in a fair, competitive environment,” the statement read.

The party underscored that the decision to participate should depend on whether the electoral process, not just the outcomes, can accelerate the downfall of the Georgian Dream government. Given the current repressive policies, they see little benefit in participating in absent negotiations on early parliamentary elections.

“Running in elections is the primary function of any party, especially a new one, as it provides an essential platform for development. We will prepare for the elections if, after thorough consultations with voters, we believe that mobilising democratic forces and participating in the local race could hasten the Georgian Dream’s removal from power and contribute to the release of political prisoners. We are confident we can defeat the Georgian Dream in a fair electoral contest,” the statement added.

The party highlighted the critical need for a unified strategy among the democratic opposition to ensure the regime’s eventual defeat. They stressed that the decision to participate must be made collectively.

“We continue our fight for the release of political prisoners and for creating a fair electoral environment that will enable the appointment of new, free elections,” the statement concluded.