**Georgian Opposition Leader Calls for Peaceful Protests Ahead of Local Elections**
As the country prepares to hold local government elections on October 4, Giorgi Baramidze, a leader of the “Unity – National Movement,” has urged the Georgian people to boycott the election and instead take part in peaceful protests. In an interview with journalists, Baramidze emphasized that participating in the election would be equivalent to legitimizing the regime of “traitors” currently in power.
“We cannot achieve this by participating in its special operation [local elections],” Baramidze said. “We must first shake this regime through our peaceful protests.” He added that the Georgian people’s desire for change is clear, and that they will ultimately “sweep away” the current regime, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Baramidze’s comments suggest that the opposition parties in Georgia are not united on the issue of participating in the local elections. While some may see it as an opportunity to challenge the ruling party, others view it as a way to legitimize their opponents. “Discussion, even if it’s a heated debate, does not mean confrontation within [the opposition],” Baramidze noted.
**A “Special Operation” Squared?**
According to Baramidze, the October 4 election is more than just a vote – it’s a test of the regime’s grip on power. He described it as a “special operation squared,” implying that the ruling party will stop at nothing to maintain its control.
“The representatives of this regime want to hold on October 4 is a special operation squared,” Baramidze said. This suggests that the opposition parties are facing significant pressure and intimidation from the ruling party, which may use any means necessary to maintain its power.
**Differences in Opinion**
Baramidze also acknowledged that different opinions within the opposition parties are normal and healthy in a democracy. “Differences of opinion characterize democracy and people with common sense,” he said. He contrasted this with the one-party system in countries like North Korea or the Soviet Union, where only one opinion was allowed.
The Georgian Dream party, led by Ivanishvili, has been accused of trying to appoint opposition parties and control their agendas. Baramidze described this as an attempt to “appoint the opposition” and undermine their ability to challenge the ruling party.
**A Call for Peaceful Protests**
In light of these challenges, Baramidze urged the Georgian people to take part in peaceful protests rather than participating in the election. He emphasized that the current regime is illegitimate and that the people’s desire for change must be expressed through non-violent means.
As the country prepares to go to the polls on October 4, Baramidze’s comments highlight the deep divisions within the opposition parties and the challenges they face in taking on the ruling party. The outcome of the election is far from certain, and it remains to be seen whether the Georgian people will choose to boycott the vote or participate in a process that many see as illegitimate.
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