“No to Russian elections is a shift from the true focus, which is a resounding ‘yes’ to new parliamentary elections and freedom for prisoners of conscience,” Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the Lelo party, posted on Facebook.

Khazaradze emphasised that boycotting local elections will only serve to entrench the Georgian Dream regime at all levels.

“You cannot reclaim what has already been gained. The illegitimacy of the Georgian Dream has been confirmed and publicly declared on the international stage. Boycotting local elections in the regions will further cement their hold across all levels of government.

The demand for new parliamentary elections and the call to confront Ivanishvili’s Russian regime are what unify the pro-Western opposition. What is holding them back? – Attacks, insults, and bullying stemming from their differing strategies of resistance,” he stated.