“Today is the day of democratic elections—a chance for those foreigners who last year tried to create their own virtual Georgia to reflect on their actions, recognize the democratic process, and face reality,” the Georgian Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, told journalists.

According to him, the Georgian people make their own choices, and everyone must respect them.

“The most important thing for us is the recognition of our citizens. Today, the Georgian people will once again demonstrate their mandate by coming to the elections and confirming their choice. The questions being raised are not directed at us—they are directed at foreigners, urging them to open their eyes and acknowledge reality. If they wish to live in a virtual or imagined reality, that is not how life works.

The Georgian people make their choice and give their mandate to whomever they wish. This is democracy, and everyone must respect it. Anyone who does not respect the will of the people is an anti-democrat.

After last year’s parliamentary elections, opposition voters, frustrated by defeat, were further radicalized by their parties and foreign actors. The opposition had several hundred thousand supporters—around 800,000, if I am not mistaken. Naturally, some segments of society will always be able to gather on Rustaveli Avenue. The opposition has its voters, too. But democracy works differently. Democracy is not apartheid, where a minority rules over the majority. Democracy is where the will of the majority is decisive.

Today is a day of democratic elections. It is an opportunity for all foreigners, who last year attempted to construct their own virtual Georgia in anti-democratic ways, to reconsider their actions, recognize the democratic choice of the Georgian people, and face reality,” Papuashvili said.