**For People Party Declines Participation in Upcoming Local Elections**
The For People party, led by Anna Dolidze, has decided not to take part in the upcoming local elections. During a press briefing on July 24, Dolidze explained that the party does not consider the elections competitive, and therefore, it would be unjustified to lead supporters into what she called “sacrifice.”
Dolidze emphasized that the For People party remains focused on its primary goal of advancing Georgia’s European integration. She noted that this goal can only be achieved through the release of political prisoners and the conduct of new, fair parliamentary elections.
The decision by the For People party not to participate in the local elections follows a similar stance taken by eight other opposition forces, including Freedom Square, European Georgia, and the United National Movement. These parties have cited repression and their unwillingness to cooperate with the ruling Georgian Dream party as reasons for their boycott.
However, two major opposition forces, Lelo/Strong Georgia and Gakharia’s For Georgia, have decided to run in the local elections. They view participation as an opportunity to further mobilize resistance against the ruling party.
The issue of participation has become a point of contention among the opposition forces, particularly after six political leaders were convicted for boycotting GD’s parliamentary commission. These leaders, including Lelo’s Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, remain behind bars.
**Commentary**
The decision by the For People party not to participate in the local elections highlights the deepening divisions within the opposition forces in Georgia. The ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of suppressing opposition voices through various means, including imprisonment and intimidation.
While some opposition parties have decided to boycott the local elections as a form of protest against the ruling party’s actions, others see participation as an opportunity to mobilize resistance. This dichotomy reflects the complex and often contentious nature of Georgia’s political landscape.
**Analysis**
The decision by the For People party not to participate in the local elections may be seen as a strategic move aimed at focusing resources on more pressing issues, such as advancing European integration and pushing for new parliamentary elections. However, this decision also underscores the challenges faced by opposition forces in Georgia in navigating the complex and often treacherous terrain of Georgian politics.
As the country prepares to hold local elections, the actions of opposition parties will be closely watched. Will other opposition forces follow suit and boycott the elections, or will some choose to participate? The outcome of these elections may have significant implications for Georgia’s future, particularly with regards to its European integration aspirations.
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