Ruling Party Chairman: I Condemn All Forms of Violence Undermining Electoral Process
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Chairman of the Georgian Dream—Democratic Georgia Political Union, has released a statement in a response to recent developments in the country prior to upcoming Parliamentary elections, noting that he condemns all forms of violence undermining the electoral process and the quality of the country’s democracy.
Ivanishvili stressed that radical opposition groups have turned violence into a common feature of their electoral campaigns.
"Lately, they have been frequently resorting to provocations. And, much to my regret, Georgian Dream’s supporters, among others, have also fallen for them," he noted, urging everyone, especially Georgian Dream’s supporters, "not to fall for provocations."
"Three weeks separate us from the 2020 parliamentary elections. Undoubtedly, it is vitally important for our country’s democratic advancement to ensure a peaceful environment for electoral campaigning, without unwarranted aggression or commotion.
"I condemn all forms of violence undermining the electoral process and the quality of the country’s democracy.
"It is a fact that radical opposition groups have turned violence into a common feature of their electoral campaigns. Lately, they have been frequently resorting to provocations; and, much to my regret, Georgian Dream’s supporters, among others, have also fallen for them. There is a threat that, as we draw closer to election day, violent flare-ups of this kind may increase.
"When a conflict breaks out, it is hard to tell who is the instigator and who is the victim of a provocation. And it is especially difficult for our Western partners observing our elections—those whose assessments of the electoral process are of extreme importance to the country.
"I would like to urge everyone to keep their composure, especially Georgian Dream’s supporters: do not fall for provocations, do not let radical groups compromise the electoral environment and tarnish the country’s international reputation.
"Violence and stone throwing are their hallmarks—that is how they came to power once, and that is how they want to cover up their own inauspiciousness and inevitable defeat in the upcoming elections.
"We have always rejected violence. And that is Georgian Dream’s hallmark, and that is what sets us apart from them.
"It is as clear as day that our positions are very strong at this point. Georgian Dream is going to achieve a convincing victory in these elections. Every poll confirms that, with unprecedented support from Georgian society, our forecast fluctuates between 54% and 60% of the votes, and even exceeds 63% in some cases.
"Consequently, we must make an all-out effort not to mobilize additional votes—which may bring in one or two percent, without altering election results much—but to secure a peaceful and fair environment for voting, so that no one may question its outcomes.
"That is why I once again urge our society, especially Georgian Dream’s supporters: do not fall for provocations, maximally maintain your composure, keep your emotions in check, so that we may approach the elections in peace and, in the same vein, carry on for Georgia’s success in peace," reads the statement.