Guram Macharashvili: “They can’t talk about dreams or perceptions - evidence must be presented”
Deputy Guram Macharashvili, a member of the “People’s Power” faction, asserted in parliament today that the opposition must provide concrete evidence if they are to prove their allegations of election fraud, instead of relying on “dreams” and “perceptions.” The statement comes as an investigation begins into alleged election irregularities following an appeal from the Central Election Commission (CEC).
Macharashvili emphasized that, with the investigation underway, the opposition now has the opportunity to present any credible proof they claim to possess. He specifically questioned the role of President Salome Zurabishvili, who has openly criticized the October 26 election results, and suggested that her leadership within the opposition raises the stakes for providing substantial evidence.
“With the leadership of Zurabishvili, they came to me claiming election fraud,” Macharashvili said, “but they cannot tell the investigator about their dreams or their perceptions. They cannot simply say they felt pressured by the CEC results. Evidence should be brought there.”
He asserted that the investigation launched by the prosecutor’s office, based on the CEC’s appeal, is a direct challenge for the opposition to substantiate their allegations with factual proof.
“They repeatedly made baseless claims about hundreds of thousands of falsified votes,” Macharashvili continued. “Now, with Zurabishvili’s leadership, they must come forth with their ‘sea of evidence’—or even a ‘lake’—to substantiate their accusations.”
He suggested that the opposition will owe the Georgian people an apology if no proof is brought forward.
“After all this, everyone will finally be convinced that these people are lying, and they will have to apologize,” Macharashvili stated.
The Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation following allegations of electoral fraud, and President Zurabishvili has been summoned for questioning on October 31. The investigation seeks to determine the validity of the opposition’s claims regarding the October 26 election.
