Georgian Parliament Speaker labels election saboteurs as “domestic terrorists”

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday said that those who refuse to participate in elections and attempt to discourage others from voting should be considered “domestic terrorists”.

In his remarks, Papuashvili emphasised that any statement encouraging voter participation was welcome.

Papuashvili’s remarks came in response to opposition politician Salome Samadashvili, who recently argued that abstaining from elections would be a mistake and serve the interests of Bidzina Ivanishvili. The Speaker dismissed her comments, noting that Samadashvili belongs to a party that simultaneously takes part in elections while also speaking of overthrowing the government. According to him, this contradiction diminishes the weight of her statements.

“Democracy means elections and participation in them. The only way to come to power is through elections. Those who reject elections are, by definition, extremists and radicals. The moment they announce such a refusal, they become extremists and radicals. And those who say they will not participate and will also obstruct others are already domestic terrorists who want to strip citizens of their voting rights. Therefore, we are dealing with extremists. Of course, any statement that opposes this approach is welcome”, the Speaker said.

Papuashvili concluded by urging Georgian citizens to turn out and vote, stressing the importance of demonstrating to the international community that Georgia does not resemble “a group of orcs roaming the streets at night with provocations”.