Georgian President and Opposition Discuss New Elections Amid Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, December 26, 2024
On December 25, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili convened a working meeting with opposition leaders and civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss the framework for holding new elections, should the ruling Georgian Dream party agree to negotiations. The meeting also explored potential steps to intensify demands for new elections if the ruling party declines dialogue.
Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, informed journalists that a joint document outlining fundamental demands is being prepared by CSOs with input from politicians. "The solution could be for the President to dissolve the 11th convocation of Parliament and announce a date for new elections," Gvaramia said, emphasizing that this action falls within the President's constitutional authority. "The decision must be made jointly. the decision must be made by both the society and the political parties," he added. He also stressed the need for readiness, stating, "We have to be ready for concrete decisions, especially from December 29."
Gvaramia also commended the President's invitation to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, for negotiations. Nevertheless, he expressed skepticism about the ruling party's willingness to engage.
Dimitri Tskitishvili of the Gakharia for Georgia party highlighted ongoing efforts to create a unified opposition stance. "The work is underway. and we agree that some principled issues should be agreed upon so that by [December] 29, if the government shows good sense and comes to negotiations. we should have our visions ready that will lead the country out of the crisis," he said. However, Tskitishvili added, "No one expects the government to show this good will, and therefore we should be ready. that after [December 29] we should also have a plan of concrete steps so that we are ready for the expected deepening of the crisis."
Badri Japaridze, leader of the coalition Strong Georgia, described the discussions with President Zourabichvili as productive. "We had a very useful and good exchange about how new elections should be held, under what conditions, in order to eliminate the irregularities that we saw on October 26," he said. Japaridze also praised the President's openness, noting, "The President has expressed her readiness for dialogue with Bidzina Ivanishvili, I would like to emphasize this once again."
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the coalition Unity-UNM, stressed the importance of continuing protests. "We talked about - after December 29 - what should be the organizational mechanism that will lead, together with the legitimate President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, the political-social process in Georgia," Vashadze said. He also thanked protesters, stating, "The protest in Georgia must continue, for which we thank all those who take part in it." Looking ahead, he noted, "Tomorrow Salome Zurabishvili will talk about organizational mechanisms - what mechanism will lead the political-social process that Georgia needs."
