European Georgia Party Refuses to Enter Parliament

The opposition "European Georgia" party has refused to accept its parliamentary mandates and said it does not intend to participate in the second round of elections in majoritarian constituencies scheduled for November 21. 

The relevant statement was made by the party leaders at a special briefing.

"Unfortunately, what happened in the election commissions made it clear what kind of elections were held on October 31," said David Bakradze. "These were elections, where the orchestrated falsification machine was working at full capacity; the falsification involved party, state and criminal structures. The elections cannot be considered free when voters are intimidated and bribed. So our assessment is absolutely clear: these elections were neither free nor fair and these elections did not reflect the will of the Georgian people. Consequently, we’ve all discussed and made a unanimous decision - European Georgia refuses to enter parliament and participate in the second round.

"I appeal to other opposition parties and I hope that we will hear their assessment and position very soon."

"Entering this rigged parliament today means joining the Georgian Dream," said another leader of the party, Gigi Ugulava, adding the party was boycotting the parliament of the 10th convocation and calling for snap, fair and free elections. Ugulava expressed hope that the government "Would make a state decision at least once and show respect for the country and the people." 

By Ana Dumbadze 

Image: Mtavari TV

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