“We have moved to the process of selecting politically neutral, non-partisan candidates, which includes choosing non-partisan mayoral candidates in various cities, including Tbilisi,” declared Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the political council of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

The party hopes to collaborate with Lelo on this initiative.

“From day one, we’ve been saying that we are preparing for elections. Elections are the peaceful path to changing power, and we won’t turn our backs on this path,” Sharashidze said.

“Accordingly, Lelo’s decision deserves nothing but support. It’s excellent that they withstood all these complications and made a reasonable, pragmatic, responsible political decision. We passed this stage long ago and have been preparing for elections from the very first day. We have great hope that Lelo will join us in this process,” he said.

Responding to United National Movement criticism of Lelo’s electoral participation, Sharashidze stated: “Let’s distinguish between what Lelo’s reaction is to the UNM’s criticism and what our reaction is,” he said.

“You know well that the UNM and their factions, their opinions, bullying, remote threats, and their usual style of menacing statements mixed with threats – none of their actions have any influence on our decisions.”
“The sooner they become convinced of this, the better,” he continued. “More precisely, they are well aware of this, but lack any alternative tactics or strategies. To this day, they persist in acting according to their own rules, which have no impact on us whatsoever. Georgian citizens see this clearly,” Sharashidze stated.

Regarding internal divisions within Lelo, Sharashidze noted: “Lelo’s internal processes are not for us to evaluate. Understandably, there are people there too who can’t withstand bullying, but it’s good that the majority in the party stands on one position. I don’t think the departure of several members would pose any problem for them, no matter how significant these people might have been.”

When asked about Georgian Dream’s claim that Gakharia’s party and Lelo seek to replace the UNM and Ahali parties, Sharashidze responded: “Our response will be as concise as possible: GD members, you are the UNMs. Avoid commenting on others’ statements; first, address how you yourselves replaced the UNM, and then point fingers at others—particularly us.”

“You yourselves became UNM-ized,” he charged.

“Everyone clearly sees what’s happening in the country – it’s virtually no different from the regime created by the United National Movement. I won’t even mention that almost the majority of GD members themselves are former UNMs and GD-ized UNMs. Even setting this aside, look at the methods, how they govern the country, what’s happening in the country, how much chaos there is, how they distribute corrupt money through criminal settlements and criminal means – and whose UNM-ness are they talking about?” Sharashidze stated.

“We did not replace the United National Movement—Georgian Dream replaced the UNM and has long since become UNM-ized,” Sharashidze declared.

“We see clearly, and our citizens see clearly, that these two forces are worse than each other. Look at what’s happening in the country, and you’ll see that what I’m saying is true—there’s no real difference anymore; they’re worse than each other. The UNM-ized Georgian Dream now talks to us as if we replaced the UNM? What nonsense—who’s talking about replacement? From day one, we’ve clearly stated our goal: to defeat Georgian Dream through elections. Let them have the courage to admit they’re afraid,” the Gakharia for Georgia party member concluded.