‘We accept even unfair defeat’ - Gakharia for Georgia opposition

Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the political council of the opposition Gakharia for Georgia party, said on Monday that his party accepted responsibility for the outcome of the October 4 local vote and would analyse its mistakes - even if the struggle was “unfair.” 

Sharashidze warned that the opposition must change course and promised a renewed strategy following what he described as a damaging political episode. 

“At the same time we responsibly announce that we are analysing all circumstances and causes, we do not evade the reality before us and we recognise defeat even in an unjust struggle,” Sharashidze said at a briefing, according to his party statement. He said the election outcome damaged the country and discredited both peaceful protest and electoral processes.

Sharashidze criticised the opposition’s tactics around the boycott campaign, arguing that the decision to abstain from voting helped the ruling Georgian Dream party consolidate control of municipal institutions. He said that, despite sacrifices by voters who turned out, the broader protest strategy failed to convince public opinion and allowed the ruling party to strengthen its hand. 

He paid tribute to party supporters who voted, saying those voters signalled that political change must be sought through institutional political processes rather than on the streets. “Everyone who went to the ballot box declared that the only chance for development and stability is through political processes, not the street,” Sharashidi said.

He also blamed a chain of errors and inaction for the result, noting that the boycott followed earlier disputed parliamentary elections and that the opposition failed to win the battle for public opinionaid. 

. He insisted that although one battle had been lost, the broader political “war” would continue and his party would press on with a revised plan.