Georgian authorities accuse opposition of election-day destabilization plans

Georgian authorities have accused the opposition of preparing for violent unrest ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for October 4.

The accusations come in response to comments made by Anna Tsitlidze, a leading figure in the former ruling party, United National Movement (UNM), which the government has labelled as part of a "radical opposition," Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Tornike Cheishvili, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, claimed that Tsitlidze’s recent statement is further evidence that the opposition is not planning a peaceful protest, but rather a coordinated effort to destabilize the country on election day.

Tsitlidze had earlier announced that Georgian citizens would take to the streets on October 4 in a peaceful demonstration to defend their constitutional right to self-defence and resist any acts of violence.

“This is yet another confirmation that radical forces continue to pursue an agenda of destabilization through violence and the mobilization of extremist groups, with the aim of turning October 4 into a repeat of the events we witnessed in late November and early December last year,” Cheishvili warned.

Further echoing the concern, David Matikashvili, another MP from Georgian Dream party, emphasized that while peaceful rallies do not require police intervention, the deployment of special forces indicates possible plans by the opposition to incite violence.

“Peaceful demonstrations proceed calmly and do not require police intervention, whereas the appearance of special forces indicates that members of the ‘collective United National Movement’ are preparing for violence and coercion,” Matikashvili said.

“Anyone who attempts to destabilize the country, deprive people of their right to vote, and impose anti-Georgian and anti-national political agendas will, naturally, receive an appropriate response from the state,” he added.

In a related statement, Georgian Dream Secretary General and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze urged opposition leaders to exercise caution, asserting that the ruling party is on course for a comprehensive electoral victory.

“Be careful—don’t slip! How else can one interpret Anna Tsitlidze’s statement? On October 4, we will be celebrating victory. Georgian Dream will win in all municipalities, including the capital. Order will be maintained, the country’s economic development will continue, and we will keep moving forward,” Kaladze emphasized.

By Vafa Guliyeva