Opposition leader Khosharia backs unity around demand for free elections

Imprisoned Georgian opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria has endorsed a proposal to unite opposition parties around the demand for free and fair elections, calling for a nationwide campaign culminating in a mass rally in central Tbilisi.

In a letter released from prison on Friday, Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, expressed support for an initiative by Viktor Kipiani and the civic movement Georgia First, saying it was aimed at consolidating the opposition rather than opening dialogue with the ruling authorities.

She claimed the objective should be to increase "systematic pressure" on ruling party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili in pursuit of free and fair elections.

Khoshtaria argued that the demand for free elections should unite all opposition forces, including those that disagree on whether to participate in future elections, because, in her view, no political actor could oppose the principle of free and fair voting.

She also outlined what she described as a strategy for a nationwide public campaign, saying the slogan "Free Elections" should become a common message across the country, extending beyond regular protest participants.

"When we reach that stage, there should be a powerful culmination - a large rally on Rustaveli Avenue," she wrote.

Khoshtaria said she supported Kipiani's initiative but noted that decisions would be made collectively with her coalition. She added that consultations withGeorgia First should be held soon to further develop and launch the proposed campaign.