Opposition member claims Lelo preparing for municipal elections amid boycott of 2024 parliamentary vote

Ana Tsitlidze, a member of Georgia’s Unity - National Movement, has criticised the opposition for failing to present a united front ahead of the local self-government elections in Samegrelo, western Georgia. 

She highlighted that the party Lelo was actively preparing to contest in the region, warning this division could undermine broader protest efforts currently underway against alleged election fraud in last year’s general elections and halted EU integration. 

“I have information that in Samegrelo, Lelo is the party preparing for the local self-government elections,” she said. “This is concerning because it demonstrates a clear absence of consensus within the opposition.”

Tsitlidze questioned the strategic value of participation in local elections while nationwide protests continued, demanding accountability for what she described as a growing number of political prisoners detained during ongoing protests. “What will the local self-government elections achieve in strengthening the protests? Will they benefit those standing on Rustaveli Avenue? What about the families of the 50 political prisoners, when arrests are still happening every day?” she asked.

She challenged those planning to take part in the elections to justify their decision. “Explain and convince me how participating in local self-government will bolster the protests outside. If they cannot do that, then why are they running? It seems they are motivated by a desire to preserve party interests rather than a genuine political strategy. They should learn from the experiences of others,” Tsitlidze added.