Opposition states it won’t stop, schedules next rally for Saturday

By Natalia Kochiashvili

Tuesday, November 10

Vakhtang Gomelauri briefed representatives of embassies and international organizations regarding the November 8 rally in front of the CEC.

Nika Melia called on the participants to form a live chain from Rustaveli Avenue to Vake Park on the day of the second round of elections as an act of protest.

Shame movement activists wanted to bring firewood to the area near the parliament, which law enforcers didn’t allow and detained three of the members.

The opposition held another protest rally yesterday, on November 9, in front of the parliament building.

The government has recently introduced a curfew, which restricts movement (both on foot and by vehicle) in public places from 22:00 to 5:00 in large cities.

GDI, ISFED, and HRC responded to the measure, claiming that the introduction of a curfew by a resolution of the Government of Georgia is unconstitutional as it has no legal authority to restrict freedom of movement. Moreover, they perceive the “attempt to quell the current wave of protests,” and such a ban is neither effective nor proportionate means of achieving a legitimate goal.

“The imposition of a curfew by the Georgian government on November 9 is further evidence that Article 453 of the Georgian Law on Public Health is unconstitutional and allows the executive branch to abuse its power and authority,” NGOs wrote.

Public Defender also responded to the ban on movement. Nino Lomjaria wrote that using the government's decree to ban demonstrations and expressions will be unconstitutional since the Law of Georgia on Public Health allows for restriction of freedom of movement and not the right of assembly-demonstration.

Despite the restriction, the participants of the rally refused to leave the streets. Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the United National Movement announced during his speech at the rally that despite the restrictions, the young people will stay on Rustaveli Avenue together with the political leaders: "Let's see what else the regime will do.” According to him, today, the opposition's main task is to defeat the regime with minimal damage to society and this country must be put at the disposal of the people. He also announced the next rally on Rustaveli Avenue, scheduled at 15:00 on Saturday.

Around 23:00 the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia stated that the persons who violate the established regulations are being identified and they will be fined GEL2000.

Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission (CEC) released a statement regarding the incident of November 8. The CEC said that the rallies, including the ones at district elections commissions in previous days, put unacceptable form pressure on the administration and appealed to the parties that the election process is not over. They blame part of the opposition parties for obstructing the legal process and discrediting them as an independent agency. The CEC stated that they are ready to discuss any issue related to election issues in any peaceful format, appealing to international partners and local NGOs to facilitate dialogue, which is important for civic consent in the country.

Citizens and politicians gathered in front of the CEC building Sunday night, protesting the 2020 elections. None of the opposition parties recognize the October 31 parliamentary elections. They reject mandates received in the parliament and demand new elections. According to the CEC, the counting process is underway to verify and clarify the data of the precinct summary protocols.

The OSCE monitoring mission responded to the ongoing protests in Georgia following reports of clashes with police in Tbilisi over the October 31 parliamentary elections, calling on protesters to refrain from violence and on the authorities to respect the fundamental freedom of assembly and expression.

It stated that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's observation mission, a joint effort of PACE, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the OSCE / ODIHR, concluded that the technical aspects of the elections had been effectively managed, despite Covid-19. However, the dominance of the ruling party in election commissions has negatively affected the perception of impartiality and independence of the commission, especially at lower levels.

The head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly called on all actors to engage in a constructive dialogue, overcome the current polarization and work together to create a stable political environment, while simultaneously paying attention to the messages received from international stakeholders. “I want to express my support for the CEC for an inclusive process of investigating alleged election irregularities.”

Responding to a statement from the OSCE monitoring mission, the ruling party said it 'fully shares the spirit of the statement' and called on the opposition to "act within the law, return to constructive approaches and not jeopardize state institutions, democracy and the rule of law."

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia assessed the developments with the CEC as a direct call for violently attacking state institutions, "to which the reaction of the state should be legitimate and strict." The PM who is in self-isolation, undergoing treatment for Covid-19, reminded that the country is fighting a virus and together, that everyone is "involved in a daily process of saving people’s lives."

One of the leaders of European Georgia Giga Bokeria says opposition parties are ready for a dialogue with the government, but its focal point should be appointing elections.