**Georgia’s Opposition Debate: Using Elections as a Tool for Change**
In Georgia, there’s a heated debate among opposition parties about whether to participate in the upcoming local elections. Ana Buchukuri, a member of the “For Georgia” party, has weighed in on this issue, emphasizing that her team believes in using every legal and constitutional tool available to effect change.
According to Buchukuri, some opposition politicians view participating in the elections as a high-risk strategy, akin to walking into a minefield. However, she argues that this perspective is flawed, pointing out that opposition leaders and members face numerous challenges on a daily basis, including physical attacks and imprisonment. “Isn’t what’s happening to opposition leaders and members today a minefield?” Buchukuri asked.
The “For Georgia” party has always maintained that participating in elections is a choice between bad and worse. While they acknowledge the flaws in the current electoral system, they believe it’s essential to engage with the process and push for reforms from within. Buchukuri noted that her team has been traveling across regions and preparing for the 2024 parliamentary elections, even during their boycott of the previous Parliament.
In contrast, some opposition parties have chosen to boycott the local elections, but without offering a clear alternative strategy. Buchukuri criticized this approach, saying it’s not enough to simply announce a boycott without outlining what comes next. “Giving toasts is not an answer,” she quipped.
Regarding the United National Movement (UNM), Buchukuri expressed skepticism about their claims of being the ultimate truth in opposition politics. With 13 years of ineffective battle against the government, she questioned whether it’s wise for such a party to claim moral superiority. “For me personally, this is laughable,” she said.
**Key Takeaways:**
* The “For Georgia” party believes in using every legal and constitutional tool available to effect change.
* Participating in elections can be a high-risk strategy, but Buchukuri argues that it’s essential to engage with the process and push for reforms from within.
* Some opposition parties have chosen to boycott the local elections without offering a clear alternative strategy.
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