“Freedom Square”: In the absence of negotiations on snap elections, we do not see how our participation in the local self-government elections could serve the public interest

Taking into account today’s repressive policies, and in the absence of negotiations on early parliamentary elections, we do not see how our participation in the local self-government elections could serve the public interest — the opposition’s final decision on participation in the local elections must be a joint one, reads the statement by the “Freedom Square” party.

As the statement notes, they are prepared to participate if they become convinced that such participation would accelerate the departure of “Georgian Dream.”

“Freedom Square” does not intend to take part in a pre-announced plan to bury democracy. Today, in Georgia, the election administration is neither independent nor impartial. There are numerous opportunities for fraud, and proper observation of elections is no longer possible. Civil and media spaces are on the verge of extinction, the courts no longer protect citizens, elections are orchestrated according to the State Security Service’s plan, the country has over 60 political prisoners, and our colleagues — with whom we would wish to compete in fair elections — are being kidnapped from the streets and unjustly punished.

The decision on whether the party should participate in the local elections must be based on the consideration of whether not only the outcome but also the process itself can contribute to the collapse of “Georgian Dream.” Given the current repressive policies and the absence of negotiations on early parliamentary elections, we do not see how Freedom Square’s participation in the local elections could benefit society.

Participation in elections is a fundamental function of any party, and local elections present a major opportunity for the development of a newly established party. Therefore, if the situation changes and — together with our voters — we become convinced that the mobilization and participation of democratic forces in the local elections will accelerate the fall of “Georgian Dream,” and will also help lead to early parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners, we will respond to that with appropriate readiness. We believe we can defeat “Dream” in any fair election.

For the final defeat of the regime, a unified strategy of the democratic opposition is critically important. The final decision on participation in the local elections must also be made collectively.

We will continue to fight for the release of political prisoners, the improvement of the electoral environment, and the announcement of new, fair elections,” the statement reads.