Opposition leaders call for new elections, political prisoner releases, urge swift election date

Zurab Japaridze, leader of the Coalition for Changes, said on Monday ongoing protests in Georgia would ultimately lead to new elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the country’s return to the European integration path, amid demonstrations against the Government’s decision last month to suspend EU accession talks until 2028.

He emphasized that the protest had already yielded significant results, including external support. “Any external support is the result of this protest,” he said, stressing that today marks the 57th day since the elections, which have been recognized only by a few Russian satellite countries.

Japaridze called for the continuation of the protest, describing each participant as contributing to the cause. “This protest must continue,” he affirmed. “Ultimately, with this protest, we will reach the point where new elections will be scheduled in this country, all political prisoners will be released, and this country will return to the path of European integration.”

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Unity – National Movement, echoed the need for new elections. He joined the President’s call for a swift election date, stating that the OSCE/ODIHR report confirmed the necessity of fresh elections in Georgia. The OSCE/ODIHR concluded that the elections were tainted by concerns about recent legislation undermining civil freedoms, the reduction of institutional independence, and voter intimidation, making the elections illegitimate, he said.

Vashadze condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party, arguing that its actions had overstepped constitutional boundaries and that new elections were essential to restore Georgia’s democratic process. “The OSCE/ODIHR conclusion confirmed that the elections must be held anew in Georgia. There is no single component that would allow these elections to be considered held,” he said.

Both leaders are demanding that the date for the new elections be set as quickly as possible, aligning with the President’s call for immediate action.