Opposition parties that have overcome the barriers say they will not recognize the elections scheduled for December 14. Their joint statement was introduced to the society by Irakli Kupradze from the “Strong Georgia”.

“We, the political parties that won on October 26, do not recognize the self-proclaimed government, any of its branches, because instead of elections, Ivanishvili organized a constitutional coup against the citizens of Georgia and the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic future. Instead of the peace promised by propaganda, Ivanishvili opposed open repression, terror and torture to the declared European and democratic choice of Georgian citizens. His gang formations turned about 500 people into political prisoners, of whom about 400 were victims of torture and inhumane treatment. In response, the Georgian people continue to protest strongly, continuously and on an unprecedented scale throughout Georgia, which is the main prerequisite for victory.

The entire civilized world, the legitimate political spectrum of Georgia and the absolute majority of citizens demand the immediate release of political prisoners fighting for the European and democratic future of Georgia. No victim of the regime will be left without proper care, and no perpetrator without the harshest punishment. All persons who commit violence against peaceful demonstrators will be held accountable to an independent justice.

During the last days, the free media became a victim of special pressure and violence. We thank you and express our full support to journalists and other media representatives.

We emphasize that the only legitimate state institution is the President of Georgia, therefore Salome Zourabichvili is the legitimate representative of the state. We do not recognize the so-called presidential elections scheduled for December 14 in the so-called parliament hijacked by [Bidzina] Ivanishvili, which has neither international nor our public-political legitimacy. The illegitimate parliament does not have the power to elect the president, thus Salome Zourabichvili remains the president of Georgia, the supreme commander of the Georgian defense forces and the country’s highest representative in foreign relations.

There is only one way out of the worst crisis created - new and fair elections, where the debtors of Georgia will decide the fate of the state in a free and competitive environment. We appreciate the support of Georgia’s international partners and expect further action and sharp steps”, - reads the statement of “Unity - National Movement”, “Coalition for Changes” and “Strong Georgia”, introduced to the public by Irakli Kupradze.