Coalition for Change rejects local elections, calls for snap parliamentary vote

Members of the Coalition for Change have announced they will not recognize or participate in Georgia’s upcoming local self-government elections. The statement was made during a press briefing held by Giorgi Kiladze, the coalition’s regional head in Imereti, alongside municipal council members.

Kiladze declared that the coalition is united in its refusal to legitimize what they call a “non-existent system of self-governance” and accused the ruling authorities of undermining democratic institutions for personal gain.

“We are currently fighting pro-Russian forces that seek to derail our country’s historical choice. Real self-governance can only exist within the framework of European democracy. What we have today is not self-government—it is a system based on feudal-style power that serves narrow, private interests,” Kiladze said.

He emphasized that defeating the regime requires full non-cooperation and political isolation, both on the local and national levels. “That is why we, the Coalition for Change municipal council members, declare once again: we do not recognize these local elections and will not take part in them. We only recognize free and fair snap parliamentary elections.”

Kiladze also announced that the coalition will join the protest rally scheduled for July 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Tbilisi.

“Georgia will prevail. Freedom for all political prisoners,” he concluded.