**Strategy Builder Leader Calls for Unity and Free Elections in Georgia**
In a recent interview on Palitranews TV, Paata Manjgaladze, one of the leaders of Strategy Builder, spoke out about the current political situation in Georgia. He emphasized that his party is ready to participate in self-government elections if they can prove to serve the goals of regime change, integration into Europe, and security.
Manjgaladze stated that Strategy Builder still maintains its position that participation in self-government elections would make sense only if they are held in a free and democratic environment. Unfortunately, he said, this is not the case in Georgia today. He believes that the way out of the current political situation is for the opposition to unite on the issue of regime change.
**A Call for Unity**
Manjgaladze proposed starting a unity effort among opposition parties focused on regime change and European integration. He suggested putting aside party numbers and names and working together towards these common goals. If their partners can prove that self-government elections will serve these purposes, he is ready to participate.
However, Manjgaladze also emphasized the need for a minimum guarantee of free and fair elections before participating. “We simply have our very strong argument – in order to participate in the elections, there must be a minimum guarantee that the elections are being held,” he said.
**Trial of Giorgi Vashadze and Regime Suppression**
Manjgaladze also spoke about the trial of Strategy Builder leader Giorgi Vashadze. He did not rule out the possibility of Vashadze being detained, stating that the regime has targeted specific individuals, including Zura Japaridze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Badri Japaridze, and Mamuka Khazaradze.
Manjgaladze sees this as a sign of weakness on the part of the government. “The fact that the regime is afraid of leaders and detains them is its weakness,” he said. He also highlighted other forms of suppression, such as trying to silence the media, declaring non-governmental organizations as “agents”, and refusing to allow foreign observers at elections.
**A Call for Action**
Manjgaladze’s comments serve as a reminder that free and fair elections are essential for any democratic society. His call for unity among opposition parties and his emphasis on the need for a minimum guarantee of free elections highlight the urgency of this issue in Georgia today.
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