**Georgia’s Opposition Party Says No to Local Elections Without Change**
In a bold statement, Georgia’s opposition party “Freedom Square” has announced that they will not participate in the upcoming local self-government elections without significant changes. The party believes that their participation would serve no public interest and could even help perpetuate the current repressive policies.
The decision comes after years of growing concerns over the lack of independence and impartiality in Georgia’s election administration. The statement notes that there are numerous opportunities for fraud, proper observation is no longer possible, and civil and media spaces are on the verge of extinction.
“Freedom Square” says they will only participate if it becomes clear that their mobilization and participation would accelerate the fall of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. They believe that a unified strategy among democratic opposition forces is crucial for the final defeat of the regime. The party emphasizes that participation in elections must be based on the consideration of whether the outcome, as well as the process itself, can contribute to the collapse of “Georgian Dream”.
This decision comes at a time when Georgia’s democracy is under attack. The country has over 60 political prisoners, and opposition leaders are being kidnapped from the streets and unjustly punished. The party says they will continue to fight for the release of these prisoners, improvement of the electoral environment, and the announcement of new, fair elections.
“We believe we can defeat ‘Dream’ in any fair election,” the statement reads. However, until then, “Freedom Square” is unwilling to participate in a process that would only perpetuate the current regime’s grip on power.
**What This Means**
This decision by “Freedom Square” highlights the growing frustration among opposition parties and civil society organizations in Georgia. The lack of progress towards holding new, fair elections has led many to question the legitimacy of the country’s electoral process.
The statement also emphasizes the need for a unified strategy among democratic forces to bring about change. It remains to be seen whether other opposition parties will follow “Freedom Square”‘s lead and how this decision will affect Georgia’s political landscape.
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