Parliament Speaker: Georgia's democracy would be stronger without extremist parties in elections

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Sunday criticised opposition groups and foreign-funded organisations, asserting that their behaviour was undermining democratic processes in the country.

In his remarks, Papuashvili pointed out what he described as contradictory messaging from certain political actors and questioned the motives behind their electoral conduct and criticism of election procedures.

“When, on the one hand, you claim that you do not recognise any elections and do not plan to participate, but on the other hand, you have comments on electoral procedures, it shows that they are still engaged in deceiving their own supporters”, the Speaker said.

The Speaker emphasised that the Central Election Commission continued to act in accordance with international standards, and that recurring criticisms were often stemming from foreign-funded NGOs and politically motivated groups.

“In reality, we will see them participate in the electoral marathon again, which is unfortunate, because, in general, if extremist parties do not take part in elections, that would be better for our democracy. As for the CEC's decision and the fake hysteria that often arises - usually fuelled by foreign funding - this has been proven multiple times. It has also been repeatedly confirmed that the CEC's decisions meet the highest international standards”, he noted.

Papuashvili also directed sharp remarks towards organisations such as the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy and Transparency International, accusing them of serving as channels for foreign influence and contributing to what he described as planned attacks on Georgia’s democracy.

“In general, if extremist parties do not take part in elections, that would be better for our democracy”, he concluded.