**Opposition Leader Criticizes Boycott Strategy**
Nika Gvaramia, a prominent opposition leader in Georgia, has spoken out against the strategy of boycotting upcoming elections based on the presence of political prisoners. In an interview, Gvaramia argued that this approach is misguided and will ultimately benefit the ruling party.
**The Dangers of Boycotting Elections**
Gvaramia believes that by focusing solely on the issue of political prisoners, opposition parties are giving the ruling party a free pass to manipulate the electoral process. He claims that if the opposition boycotts the elections based on this one issue, it will allow the government to rig the polls without any meaningful challenge.
**A Pattern of Manipulation**
Gvaramia’s comments come at a time when Georgia is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year. The country has a history of electoral disputes and allegations of vote-rigging. In 2018, opposition parties accused the ruling party of manipulating the results of municipal elections.
**The Opposition’s Strategy**
In response to Gvaramia’s criticisms, some opposition leaders have argued that boycotting the elections is necessary to protest against the government’s human rights record and electoral manipulation. However, their strategy has been met with skepticism by some, who believe it will only play into the hands of the ruling party.
**The Consequences of a Boycott**
Gvaramia warns that if opposition parties boycott the elections based on the issue of political prisoners, they risk being seen as ineffective and out of touch. This could damage their reputation and make them less credible in the eyes of voters. Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced approach that addresses multiple issues, including electoral reform and human rights abuses.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge