UNM’s Tsitlidze declares local elections devoid of democratic norms; lesson for two opposition parties

“The local elections were conducted without any adherence to democratic standards; this should serve as a stark lesson, including for the two opposition parties,” stated Ani Tsitlidze, a member of the United National Movement.

According to Tsitlidze, “the only way to effectively challenge the regime is through non-cooperation, boycotts, and resistance.”

Furthermore, Tsitlidze offered her assessment of the joint statement issued by the High Representative of the European Union, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.

“The EU statement reaffirmed what we’ve been saying from day one: the only legitimate response was to boycott and protest the so-called elections. There were no genuine elections in this country; what took place on October 4 was a rigged process, a Russian-style operation disguised as an election, monitored by no international oversight. Therefore, the reactions from our international partners are entirely justified. Before October 4, many had already stated that under a dictatorship, free elections are impossible. Even now, these so-called elections failed to meet any democratic standards. This should serve as a lesson, including for the two opposition parties, to recognise that the results proclaimed by the Georgian Dream reveal the true nature of this process. The only effective way to defeat the regime is through non-cooperation, boycott, and resistance,” Tsitlidze emphasised.

The joint statement from Kaia Kalas and Marta Cosma on Georgia’s local elections noted that the elections “were held in an environment of widespread repression of dissent.” It also called for “a constructive and inclusive dialogue with all political actors and civil society,” urging all parties to refrain from violence.

The High Representative of the European Union, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, issued a joint statement concerning Georgia’s recent local elections. According to the statement, the elections were held “amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.” It also emphasised the need for “A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence.”