“Neither Aleko Elisashvili, (leader of the Citizens Party), nor Dimitri Gelovani, (a respected public figure), will be able to change the attitudes of pro-Western voters regarding the upcoming local elections,” stated Levan Sanikidze, a member of the United National Movement (UNM).

According to Sanikidze, those planning to run in the municipal elections have “lost faith in protest.”

“It is of secondary importance what Lelo or Giorgi Gakharia have said, claiming that participation in local elections constitutes collaboration in Russia’s special operation. Members of the Lelo party often employ harsher rhetoric, asserting that such participation would be a betrayal of the fight. Therefore, whether they field neutral or party-affiliated candidates, it makes little difference.”

Regarding Aleko Elisashvili, Sanikidze expressed scepticism.

“I don’t believe there is anyone in this country capable of changing the prevailing public attitude among pro-Western voters. When over 70 per cent believe that these so-called elections are a Russian special operation designed to legitimise Ivanishvili’s regime, neither Aleko Elisashvili nor Dimitri Gelovani can alter that perception.

Unfortunately, I see this as a contest for second place—who will come in second and assume the mantle of the main opposition party. Since Gorbi has published these figures, they will likely be reflected in the election results as well. We often begin by stating that October 4 is not an actual election. Just as none of us can control what Gorbi will publish, we cannot influence what the Central Election Commission (CEC) will record or what number Bidzina Ivanishvili will want to assign next to your party’s name.

In this context, October 4 is being conducted as a Russian special operation, with its primary aim to legitimise Ivanishvili’s regime and normalise the situation, an effort that has nothing to do with strengthening the protest movement. On the contrary, those participating in this so-called election admit that they have lost faith in protests.

Therefore, the position of the United National Movement has always been, and remains, that we will take exactly the steps dictated by pragmatic reasoning and the interests of the Georgian people. This means refusing to partake in Ivanishvili’s legitimisation game,” Sanikidze emphasised.