Georgian Parliament Speaker urges “extremist, radical” opposition to skip local elections

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said it would be preferable if the domestic “extremist, radical” opposition refrained from participating in the upcoming local elections scheduled for October.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Papuashvili noted that “the sooner they detach themselves from the electoral processes and ultimately marginalise into radical extremist groups, the better”.

“It would be better if the opposition did not participate in the local elections. I’m referring to the extremist, radical opposition. The sooner they detach themselves from the electoral process and ultimately marginalise into radical extremist groups, the better”, the Speaker said.

Papuashvili further commented on the ruling party’s earlier pledge that the radical opposition would not be able to participate in the local elections.

“There are legal procedures ahead of the elections that must be carried out in full compliance with standards - transparently and with proper substantiation. This takes time and shouldn’t be rushed”, he noted.

“We also know that even if they do participate, the result will be the same as it has been for the past 13 years. In fact, that would only strengthen our position”, Papuashvili concluded.