“Anyone who participates in the elections will become a systemic opposition that helps the dictatorial force, in the form of Ivanishvili’s gang, simulate democratic processes. This weakens the resistance, which is the main obstacle to the regime, causing internal conflicts and instability, as well as international pressure—the only way to fight such regimes,” said Irakli Pavlenishvili, Deputy Secretary General of the United National Movement, commenting on the participation of opposition parties in the local government elections.

According to him, the parties that expressed readiness to participate in the October 4 elections saw the demands and expectations of the protest electorate during the July 19 rally.

“If elections were held on October 4, every politician would gladly participate, but elections are no longer held in this country, so we do not intend to take part in a special operation. There are two main reasons: those who participate in the elections become a systemic opposition that assists the dictatorial force, in the form of Ivanishvili’s gang, in simulating democratic processes. Second, it weakens the resistance, which is the main obstacle to the regime, causing internal conflicts and instability, as well as international pressure, which is the only way to fight such regimes. By participating, a political actor damages this fight. The only thing that needs to change is the decision made by political actors. On July 19, at the rally, they clearly saw what the protest electorate demands,” said Irakli Pavlenishvili.

According to Irakli Pavlenishvili, a significant portion of those criticizing other opposition parties’ decisions not to participate in the elections were “Kotsi” (supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party) who still follow the “Kotsi narrative.”

“A large part of them [Lelo-Strong Georgia and Gakharia-For Georgia] were ‘Kotsi’ not long ago and may still follow the ‘Kotsi narrative.’ In reality, it is Ivanishvili and his gang who want to sow nihilism in the protests and resistance. Everyone in this country knows that dictatorial regimes are defeated not by participating in special operations but through struggle, resistance, protest rallies, and non-cooperation. The only way to dismantle Ivanishvili’s gang is through this, not by entering a process where political forces are doomed to failure from the start by participating. If these people do not follow the will of the absolute majority of the protest electorate, it will be bad for them, as they are supporting Ivanishvili’s opponents, not the people who support maintaining the status quo,” stated Irakli Pavlenishvili.