The Unity–National Movement (UNM) party has formally requested the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia to cancel its parliamentary list, escalating its protest against what it deems illegitimate election results. Tina Bokuchava, chairperson of the party, announced the move from Strasbourg, underlining UNM’s demand for re-elections supervised by an impartial election administration.
UNM Rejects Election Legitimacy
In her statement, Bokuchava reiterated UNM’s stance on the 2024 elections, asserting that the results do not reflect the will of the Georgian people.
- Bokuchava stated:
“We refuse the mandates, we do not recognize the legitimacy of these elections and their results.”
She explained that the party had previously submitted signed letters from all members on the list, asking the CEC to halt any process granting temporary mandates or recognizing their authority in the current parliament. However, the party’s requests were allegedly ignored by Giorgi Kalandarishvili, head of the CEC.
A Call for Re-Elections
Bokuchava accused Kalandarishvili of enabling a “Russian special operation against the Georgian people” by ignoring the party’s legal requests. She emphasized the need for re-elections under a fair and professional election administration to restore the nation’s democratic integrity.
“We demand re-elections conducted by a free, professional central election administration that reflects the will of the Georgian people,” she added, highlighting the UNM’s alignment with other opposition parties on this issue.
Opposition Joins Forces
The UNM’s move follows similar actions from other opposition members. Leaders from the Coalition for Change and Strong Georgia have already applied to Parliament to terminate their mandates, further underscoring the growing discontent with the current electoral framework.
Broader Implications
The UNM’s actions signal a deepening political crisis in Georgia, as opposition parties unite in their rejection of the election process and its outcomes. This coordinated effort could heighten tensions between the government and opposition, with potential ramifications for the country’s democratic reputation and its European aspirations.
