United National Movement opposition set to hold party congress tonight

The United National Movement opposition party (UNM), the largest opposition faction in Georgia in office between 2004-2012, is set to hold a party congress tonight at 8 p.m. ahead of the October general elections, Tina Bokuchava, the party chairwoman announced on Monday. 

In press comments, Bokuchava emphasized the importance of creating a unified opposition front to challenge the ruling Georgian Dream and described the upcoming elections on October 26 as a “critical referendum” on the country’s future direction, framed as a choice between Europe and Russia.

“We have a presentation that includes a congress component, where we will announce significant decisions for the party, campaign, and our victory,” Bokuchava said. “The most crucial task is to unite the opposition front as much as possible. Since Ivanishvili [the founder and the honorary chair of the ruling party Bidzina Ivanishvili] has turned the October 26 elections into a referendum, it is vital to create a common front against him.”

Bokuchava acknowledged the high public interest in the strategies of the main opposition coalition and assured the congress would provide important updates and reinforce the goal of forming a united front.

“Our primary goal is to help create a unified front. The public will see everything in a few hours during the presentation, which will also include a congress component,” she added.