**Georgia’s Election Politics Heats Up**
In a move that has sparked debate in the country, Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has stripped the National Movement and Coalition for Change of their electoral numbers. This decision, made due to the parties’ failure to apply for participation in the self-government elections, has been met with criticism from the opposition.
According to Irakli Pavlenishvili, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, this decision is a clear example of the country’s current state under what he calls “Ivanishvili’s gang”. He believes that as long as elections are not held democratically in Georgia, focusing on electoral numbers is pointless.
**Democratic Elections: A Distant Dream?**
Pavlenishvili expressed his confidence that when democratic elections do take place in the country, the majority of the population will support the National Movement. He emphasized that it was clear from the beginning what decision the CEC would make and that the party will not give up its identity, including the number 5 on their banners.
This stance highlights the ongoing tension between the ruling party and opposition forces in Georgia. The decision to strip the National Movement of its electoral numbers has been seen as an attempt by the government to suppress the opposition’s voice.
**The Significance of Electoral Numbers**
In a democratic country, electoral numbers are usually assigned to parties that participate in elections. However, in this case, the CEC decided not to assign any new numbers to the National Movement and Coalition for Change due to their failure to apply for participation in the self-government elections.
This move has been met with criticism from opposition leaders, who see it as an attempt by the government to silence them. As Pavlenishvili noted, this decision is made arbitrarily and does not follow Georgian legislation.
**The Road Ahead**
As long as democratic elections do not take place in Georgia, it remains unclear what the future holds for the National Movement and other opposition parties. One thing is certain: the electoral number debate has highlighted the ongoing power struggle between the ruling party and opposition forces in the country.
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