Coalition “Strong Georgia” Announces Participation in Upcoming Local Elections
The coalition “Lelo–Strong Georgia” has announced its participation in the upcoming local elections. This decision was confirmed by one of the coalition leaders, Irakli Kupradze, during a special briefing held at the coalition headquarters.
According to the coalition’s Secretary General, they are entering this contest to open a new front in their fight “against the Russian regime.”
“We have declared a fight against the de facto government in these de facto elections,” Kupradze stated.
“After weeks of negotiations, discussions, and careful consideration, we have made this decision. ‘Strong Georgia’ has its path, our path is one of uncompromising struggle on all possible fronts. Today, the Strong Georgia coalition officially begins its fight for every citizen of Georgia. We are determined to confront the Russian regime and engage on every front necessary.
Calling these elections ‘local’ is in itself a crime. These are de facto elections held by a de facto government, and we are prepared to fight them to the very end—until victory,” Kupradze declared.
Meanwhile, Giorgi Gakharia’s party “For Georgia” has also confirmed its participation in the municipal elections. In contrast, the “United National Movement” and the Coalition for Change have announced they will boycott the elections.
In the 2024 Georgian parliamentary elections, the “Strong Georgia” coalition received 8.81% of the vote. However, the coalition refused to recognize the results and declined to take up its seats in Parliament.
Opposition Parties Condemn “Strong Georgia” Over Election Participation Decision
Leaders of opposition political parties have sharply criticised the announcement by “Strong Georgia” (a coalition of the “Lelo” and “Citizens” parties) that it will participate in the local elections scheduled for October 4.
Tina Bokuchava, leader of “Unity – National Movement,” wrote on social media that “Strong Georgia” had chosen compromise and cooperation with the regime over struggle and resistance, calling the decision the coalition’s “moral death.”
“It is deeply saddening. Instead of fighting and resisting, ‘Strong Georgia’ chose compromise and cooperation with the regime. We must call things by their real names: this is a betrayal of our common struggle, not a fight for the country’s survival, but a deal for an ‘honourable’ second place. I would not be surprised if Mikheil ‘Zebra’ Kavelashvili himself pardons their leaders to complete this charade. This is a classic Russian tactic—luring opponents into immoral compromise and then exposing them most cynically and brutally.
Today, we witnessed the moral death of Lelo. Politics cannot exist without morality. Therefore, in October, we will also witness their electoral death. Freedom for political prisoners! In the end, we will prevail!” Bokuchava declared.
Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the “Coalition for Change,” criticized the decision made by the coalition.
“It is important to be clear: Lelo, with only 4% support, will not determine Georgia’s future. Whether they are weak or disloyal—let history be the judge. We have work to do, and we intend to do it,” Khoshtaria stated.
“P.S. Try blackmailing yourselves with money and television airtime. Bidzina couldn’t buy this country with all his wealth, and frankly, I find this absurd,” she added.
Kavelashvili: I Will Consider Pardoning Politicians Who Commit to Participating in Elections
President Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is disputed by the opposition, has issued a statement inviting convicted opposition leaders to apply for a presidential pardon—on the condition that they confirm their intention to participate in the upcoming local elections.
Kavelashvili stated that in their applications for pardon, politicians must explicitly express their “desire to participate in the elections.” If this condition is met, he promised to immediately issue a pardon.
“As the public is aware, certain leaders of several political parties are currently serving prison sentences under Georgian legislation. Given these circumstances, I propose that all relevant convicted politicians submit applications for pardon, confirming their intention to participate in the elections. Upon receiving such applications, I will immediately issue an act of clemency,” Kavelashvili’s statement reads.
In response, opposition parties firmly rejected the offer, declaring that they do not recognise Mikheil Kavelashvili as a legitimate president and have no intention of requesting a pardon.
Several opposition leaders were imprisoned for failing to appear before the investigative commission established by Georgian Dream.
These include three leaders of the Coalition for Change — Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Zurab Japaridze; two leaders of Strong Georgia — Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze; and the leader of Strategy Builder, Giorgi Vashadze.