Nika Melia: The time has come for political ambiguity to end; it is time for political clarity and for answering all the questions – what are we doing, are we entering a farce called local elections or not? This must be answered very clearly

The time for political ambiguity is over; the time has come to end political vagueness. It is now time for political clarity and for answers to all the questions — what are we doing? Are we entering a farce called local elections or not? This question must be answered very clearly, – said Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the "Coalition for Change."

As Melia explained, “in an uncompromising struggle, it is incompatible to be seriously considering participation in local self-government elections.”

“In six days, it will be May 26 – a day of historical significance, and the current situation has given this date a new and additional meaning. It has imposed on us the duty to fight for the preservation of independence, as the sovereignty of the country and its aspirations are once again being undermined by the regime’s anti-Georgian policies. The time for political ambiguity is over; the time has come to end political vagueness. It is now time for political clarity and for answers to all the questions — what are we doing? Are we entering a farce called local elections or not? This must be answered very clearly.

I have never rejected elections — it was 'Georgian Dream' who abolished them, and you cannot enter something that doesn’t exist. Participating would mean legitimizing the nonexistent. It is extremely important to give a clear answer to this specific question at this stage. After the rigged elections, all political parties decided to boycott them, and by doing so, the public became convinced that the fight is worth continuing. This struggle is ongoing, the protest is unwavering, the country has more than 50 political prisoners, and now those people are asking us — at the very least — what are we planning to do in this regard?

I strongly hope that in six days, on May 26, every political entity or individual who has a duty to answer this question in front of society will answer it, and that May 26 will not resemble March 31. You cannot be uncompromising in the struggle and at the same time seriously consider, four months in advance, entering the so-called local elections.

Some are asking: what is the plan after the boycott? The answer is — not only is there a plan after the boycott, the boycott is the plan. Political non-cooperation with the regime inside the country is the plan. Deepening and expanding international political isolation is the plan.

At a minimum, society expects a clear answer from every political actor — without personal attacks. Even if, honestly, someone says, ‘Yes, we want to enter this type of non-existent election’ — that’s still an answer. But ambiguity and vagueness greatly weaken the movement.

On May 26, I urge everyone to gather in large numbers on Rustaveli Avenue, and I sincerely hope this gathering will not end like March 31 — instead, that it will bring clear answers,” Melia stated.