Three Political Parties Urge PACE President and Factions Not to Confirm Georgia’s Parliamentary Delegation's Credentials

Three political parties—“Coalition for Change,” “Unity - National Movement,” and “Strong Georgia”—have issued a joint statement calling on the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and its parliamentary factions not to confirm the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation.

According to the statement, the October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections in Georgia were marred by serious violations, failing to meet international standards and the will of the Georgian people.

The opposition demands the immediate release of all political prisoners and the holding of new, free, and fair elections.

**The joint statement reads as follows: "Dear President, We, representatives of Georgian political parties, request that you refrain from confirming the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024, were conducted with serious violations, contrary to international standards and the will of the Georgian people.

The ‘parliament’ formed as a result of these fraudulent elections, along with the ‘president’ elected by it, lack legitimacy. Any delegation presented to the Assembly by the ruling Georgian Dream party consists solely of representatives of a self-declared regime.

It is also important to note that Georgian Dream’s leaders, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, are under international sanctions and bear responsibility for the country’s democratic backsliding and widespread human rights abuses. Peaceful protestors in Georgia face repression, arrests, and violence, further deepening the crisis.

Our demands are as follows: - The immediate release of all political prisoners. - The holding of new, free, and fair elections.

The principled stance of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is crucial to safeguarding democratic values in Georgia.

Sincerely, Representatives of Georgian Political Parties"

This statement underscores the opposition’s position and calls for international scrutiny and action regarding Georgia’s political situation.