Gigi Ugulava: The fact is that Dream really wants to drag us into these elections, therefore, we need to test how great their desire is - what concessions they are willing to make
Time and the situation have brought us to a complex roadmap - we may have to talk to Dream face to face, which further complicates the situation, opposition politician Gigi Ugulava writes.
Ugulava believes that Georgian Dream considers the local elections as bait, so he offers several opinions to his opposition colleagues.
“The announcement of the ban on parties and their subsequent postponement made it absolutely clear that Dream considers the local elections as bait. In the current situation, it is truly a trap for the opposition. Some are thinking about participating, some are hesitating, and some are refusing. However, what is most needed is a unified position.
I will state my position. Participation in the current situation will turn anyone into a fig leaf of the regime. As of today, the elections in Georgia have been canceled. Tomorrow the situation will be even more difficult than today or in 2024.
At the same time, it is also clear - a coherent position on this challenge is needed - the so-called roadmap - to make it clear:
- Why we are not participating;
- Under what conditions is it possible to participate in local elections;
I offer several opinions. These are working ideas and with this I am trying to get out of the regime of mutual accusations.
The fact is that Dream really wants to drag us into these elections, therefore, we need to test how great their desire is - what concessions they are willing to make.
What could these conditions be:
The release of political prisoners (including Saakashvili).
The abolition of all brutal and draconian laws that Dream has adopted over the past year, including those related to elections and the Central Election Commission. (Elections under Kalandarishvili’s leadership will not be held).
A plebiscite will be held along with the local elections with the question – do you want new parliamentary elections to be held on December 27, 2025 (the date is obviously negotiable).
If “Yes” wins in the plebiscite, the existing Dream government will resign; a technical transitional government will be approved under the auspices of Zurabishvili-Kavelashvili and the barrier-breaking 4 + 1 (Dream) that will hold elections.
The actual majority of Georgian Dream will undertake to approve the transitional government.
It is worth considering what obligation we undertake if “No” wins in the plebiscite, i.e. our defeat.
The conditions can be changed – subtracted, added. This requires discussion.
Political parties, President Zurabishvili, public groups and movements - all interested parties should discuss this, and not label each other. If there is a roadmap, that is, a clear position, it will be difficult for colleagues to step aside. A statement alone, "I am not participating," is not a deterrent. Just as I am participating, I am preparing for participation - it leaves traces of betrayal and compromise.
Time and the situation have brought us to the point that we need to set a complex roadmap.
A separate issue - such topics usually involve a mediator, a negotiator - Charles Michel, Baker, Michnik, and so on. We have similar experience. Today, the situation is different. Before we shout - I do not want Charles Michel! - we must realize that no one may want it very much. We may have to talk to the Dream face to face, which will further complicate the situation," Ugulava wrote on Facebook.
