Elene Khoshtaria: Participation in the local elections is a legitimization of the Russian violent regime – I express hope that our partners from “Lelo” will return to the principled position they themselves signed on to

Participation in the local self-government elections is a legitimization of the Russian violent regime – I express hope that our partners from “Lelo” will return to the principled position they themselves signed just a short while ago, said Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the "Coalition for Change," at a briefing.

According to her, opposition participation in the local elections is immoral and, among other things, means giving up the fight.

"Today, participation in local self-government elections is the legitimization of the Russian violent regime. It is practically surrender and acceptance of the Russian special operation that took place on October 26 and the stolen elections. It means giving up the fight. Not to mention that, in my view, it is immoral in the context of political prisoners and imprisoned partners of the struggle. Therefore, our strategy must be the non-recognition of the regime, non-cooperation, and anything that violates these principles is completely unacceptable.

The 'Resistance Platform' made a clear statement on May 26 that local elections must be held only under the conditions of new parliamentary elections and beyond Bidzina Ivanishvili’s control. This regime will not conduct elections. ‘Lelo’, my friends and partners from Lelo, were part of this decision and statement, they supported this demand, they were on this position. Therefore, changing this unified opposition stance today, breaking it, and creating dissonance deeply surprises and disappoints me. I express hope that our partners will return to the principled position they themselves signed not long ago,” said Khoshtaria.