“As the opposition’s weaknesses become more evident, attempts to meddle in our election processes are growing harsher. The frequency and timing of foreign statements suggest a coordinated effort to shape a favourable agenda for the opposition,” Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated at a briefing.

He asserted that foreign interference seeks to influence Georgian voters and manipulate election outcomes.

“As the pre-election campaign intensifies, it’s increasingly clear that the opposition faces a historic defeat. Society recognizes that their campaign lacks ideas and is instead fueled by confrontation and hate speech, which has failed repeatedly over the past 12 years.”

Papuashvili continued, “Every day brings new statements, interviews, and articles from abroad related to the parliamentary elections, which are then circulated by opposition-affiliated media. This influx of foreign viewpoints creates an uneven election landscape, undermining its democratic integrity.”

He raised concerns about whether this foreign interference is a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion and alter election results, violating the principles of democratic values and state sovereignty.

“The principle of non-interference is foundational to the rules-based international order, as outlined in UN regulations. It affirms the right of all states to govern themselves without outside influence,” he stated.

Papuashvili emphasized that it is the people’s privilege to elect their government, not that of foreign citizens, even if they are considered partners.

“In this final phase of the pre-election period, I urge our foreign partners to refrain from meddling, allowing Georgian citizens to vote freely based on their beliefs and values, and to choose a political force they trust without external pressure.”

“Foreign propaganda cannot dictate the conditions for a free and fair election in a democratic society. The future of Georgia rests in the hands of its people,” the Speaker concluded.