Strong Georgia Leader Ana Natsvlishvili Criticizes Georgian Dream for Creating Unfair Election Environment
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 14, 2024
Ana Natsvlishvili, a leader of the Strong Georgia party, has strongly criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party following the release of the OSCE election monitoring mission's interim report. According to Natsvlishvili, the report reflects a systemically unfair and unequal election environment, far from democratic standards, which has been orchestrated by the current government.
"The report reflects the fundamentally unfair and unequal election environment that Georgian Dream has established. This is a clear example of a hijacked state, where institutions are staffed based on the ruling party's trust, not the people's. These institutions are being used to repress and obstruct opposition parties, and the media environment is neither free nor equal," Natsvlishvili stated.
She stressed that the situation described in the report is a key indicator of why every citizen's vote in the October 26 elections is crucial. Natsvlishvili urged voters to participate actively in order to combat any potential interference, manipulation, or attempts to rig the election process. "The great activity, mobilization, and principledness of the citizens can stand in front of any interference, manipulation, and attempt to hijack the elections from the government," she said.
Natsvlishvili also framed the upcoming elections as a defining moment for Georgia's future, with the potential to either steer the country towards European integration or further entrench the current regime's authoritarian tendencies. "This election is not only about choosing representatives; it's about the future direction of our country. Every citizen's vote is a statement for democracy, freedom, and a European future. Georgian Dream's manipulation of state institutions is a direct threat to these values," she added, urging voters to resist any efforts that undermine their democratic rights.
