Former MP of ruling GD: “Real solution lies in negotiated fair early elections”

Former Georgian Dream MP Mariam Jashi has called for fair early elections as the only realistic solution to the current political crisis in Georgia. She emphasized that the process must be achieved through negotiations involving both Georgian and international politicians and diplomats.

Jashi suggested that, despite its politically neutral mandate, the United Nations Permanent Representation or a special envoy appointed by the UN Secretary-General for crisis situations could serve as an impartial mediator to resolve the impasse.

“Five years ago, in November 2019, I resigned as the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee when the first signs of ignoring the positions of Georgia’s strategic partners—the EU and the United States—became evident. This culminated with Georgian Dream’s deliberate failure to adopt the electoral constitutional reform,” Jashi wrote on Facebook.

She underscored her pride in supporting Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which cements the country’s unwavering course toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration. She credited former Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili for his pivotal role in passing this article.

Jashi warned that delaying or questioning this strategic goal undermines both the constitution and the nation’s strategic interests. She attributed the current protests across Georgia, including those on Rustaveli Avenue, to the government’s missteps in recent years.

“The political turmoil we are witnessing is the result of the government’s failures, and it bears the primary responsibility. While military escalation with Russia is not a viable path to restoring territorial integrity, the government has failed to avert an equally grave danger—domestic societal division,” she said.

Jashi called for an immediate cessation of internal conflict and highlighted the need for negotiations instead of revolutionary actions.

“The way forward is not revolution but the scheduling of fair, early elections through dialogue, with the involvement of both Georgian and international actors. Additionally, the Georgian Patriarchate can play a crucial role in mediating and fostering reconciliation,” she added.

Jashi expressed gratitude to journalists, young activists, and citizens of all generations for defending Georgia’s European future, regardless of their political differences.