Twenty-three civil society organizations (CSOs) have released a joint statement asserting that the October 26 elections were marred by "citizen intimidation, coercion, mass violations of vote secrecy, violence, and a criminal scheme of bribery and total control." According to the CSOs, "Georgian Dream rigged the elections."
The organizations claim that the results announced by the Central Election Commission (CEC) do not reflect the will of the citizens. "This was not an election because it was neither secret, free, nor fair," the statement reads.
The CSOs outlined what has been achieved so far and what needs to be done to ensure the country moves toward a new election. Below are their key points: Achievements so far:
1. Evidence Collection: Observers and civil monitoring groups have documented violations, challenging election commissions and courts. This process has exposed the true nature of election administration and judiciary. The fact that no complaints were upheld further undermines the election's legitimacy.
2. Citizen Mobilization: High voter turnout, despite risks to jobs, social benefits, and personal security, prevented the government from further falsifying results and claiming a constitutional majority.
3. Defeat of Pro-Russian Forces: The election outcome demonstrated that the majority of the population chose a European path for Georgia, rejecting integration with Russia.
4. Georgian Dream's Legitimacy in Question: The ruling party struggles to legitimize the election results in the eyes of international partners and citizens, thanks to evidence from civil observers and media.
5. Lack of International Recognition: Democratic nations have not congratulated Georgian Dream on its "victory," refusing to acknowledge the elections as free and fair.
6. Coordination Among Groups: Various social groups have started coordinating efforts, uniting around a common demand for new, fair elections.
Action plan:
1. New Elections: A collective agreement among all social groups is crucial to achieving free and fair elections.
2. Delegitimizing the Ruling Party: Civil society must refuse to cooperate with "illegitimately elected" authorities.
3. International Isolation of Georgian Dream: Efforts must continue to maintain and strengthen international non-recognition of the current government.
4. EU Involvement: CSOs are prepared to provide evidence and witnesses to the EU's technical mission.
5. Accountability for Election Manipulation: Names of those complicit in election fraud must be shared with the international community, prompting targeted actions.
6. Opposition Coordination: Opposition parties must unite to declare the elections illegitimate and demand new elections both domestically and internationally.
7. Parliament Boycott: Opposition parties rejecting the election results must not participate in parliament.
8. Presidential Involvement: Coordination with the President is vital to amplify international pressure for new elections.
9. Peaceful Protests: Mass mobilization and peaceful protests should focus on demanding new elections.
The CSOs stress that standing firm against stolen elections will determine the response of the international community. "This is our fight to reclaim constitutional order and our European future. National unity and resolute action are the path to new elections, and we will achieve this through fair protest and unwavering resolve," the statement concludes.
Signatories:
1. Transparency International Georgia
2. Civil Movement for Freedom
3. European Orbit of Georgia
4. Partnership for Human Rights
5. Prevention for Progress
6. Daqali
7. Sapari
8. SAEA Imereti Representation
9. Defenders of Democracy
10. Civil Society Fund
11. Kvareli EU Club
12. Open Space Caucasus
13. Civil Solidarity Fund
14. Proactive Group Georgia
15. Economic Policy Research Center
16. Democracy Research Institute
17. Human Rights Center
18. Europe Foundation
19. Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (GCRT)
20. House of Progress
21. Prevention for Progress
22. Civil Movement for Freedom
23. Prevention for Progress
The coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to a united opposition effort and peaceful but firm public resistance to ensure a new, democratic election process.
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