Coalition for Change Revokes Party Lists, Rejects Parliamentary Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The Coalition for Change formally announced their rejection of the October 26 parliamentary elections and initiated the process to revoke their party lists with the Central Election Commission (CEC). The Coalition, comprising Ahali, Girchi - More Freedom, and Droa, had achieved the highest support among opposition groups with 11.03% of the vote but declared the elections illegitimate.
Coalition leader Zurab Japaridze outlined the procedural steps, explaining that proportional party lists must be revoked first, followed by individual resignations from parliamentary mandates. "This is a formal step to ensure none of us participate in what we consider an illegitimate process," he said.
Elene Khoshtaria, another Coalition leader, condemned the elections and the parliamentary session held on November 25, describing them as violations of the Constitution and contrary to the will of the Georgian people. She asserted that the Parliament lacked legitimacy. "No matter how many sessions are held, this Parliament cannot represent a legitimate source of power," Khoshtaria declared.
Khoshtaria further criticized the elections as conducted under conditions that undermined democratic norms, adding that the Coalition's stance was shared by the international community and Georgian citizens alike. "The Coalition for Change will not engage with this Parliament in any capacity," she emphasized.
The Coalition announced that a representative had formally addressed the CEC to revoke their party list, in accordance with Article 120 of the Electoral Code. "This is a clear declaration: we do not recognize these elections, we do not recognize this Parliament, and none of us will enter it," Khoshtaria concluded.
