"We reject the 'legitimization spectacle' known as the so-called local elections – we must actively fight to dismantle the system," – said Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, in a statement to Interpressnews at a protest held under the slogan “No to Russian Elections.”

According to Khoshtaria, the main task is the delegitimization of the system.

“Today we are seeing a loud statement from the political class, civil society, and our citizens – our main task is to delegitimize the system, dismantle it, and achieve truly free elections through this path.

The fight that will bring results depends, first and foremost, on the principled stance of the political class – to not cooperate with the regime and not grant it legitimacy. That is why we reject the 'legitimization spectacle' called the so-called local elections.

Protest is extremely important – and it must build upon this principled political position, including through a strong, broad-based civic protest. These two forces together will ensure that our international partners increase pressure on the Russian-style regime.

We don’t have much time left because we are already nearing the point where not only are we not moving forward toward Europe, but we are also losing what we had already gained – and what has only been preserved thanks to the people’s struggle. Otherwise, no one recognizes this government. That’s why we must actively fight for the dismantling of the system,” said Khoshtaria.