Georgian PM: ‘opposition who has zero chance of winning elections trying to make people panic’
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has repeated that elections will not be postponed. Photo: government of Georgia press office.
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Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia says that Georgian opposition parties, ‘who have zero chance of winning the October 31 parliamentary elections, are trying to make people panic about the coronavirus situation in the country.
Gakharia stated earlier today that the parties are trying to spread ‘false information’ and ‘mislead the people’ into thinking that the government is unable to manage the virus.
He mentioned the recent rally of the United National Movement opposition party in the country’s coastal Adjara region last week and said that gathering people through the ‘complete violation of restrictions in a coronavirus hot spot was the ultimate [display of] irresponsibility.’
Gakharia vowed that safety will be ‘completely ensured’ at polling stations and voting will be much safer than visiting a market or a shopping centre.
Responding to recent election polls commissioned by Georgian TV channels, Gakharia said that ‘we don't need any polls. Our people support us and the support is very feelable.’
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has stated that the government has no plans to declare a state of emergency or implement any other systemic restrictions amid the serious growth of coronavirus cases in Georgia. He said that the recent surge in the new infections was ‘absolutely expected’ and the government has taken ‘all measures’ to get prepared for a second wave of coronavirus.
The recent election polls commissioned by Rustavi 2 TV channel which was conducted by British company Survation say that the ruling Georgian Dream party is expected to receive almost 56 per cent of votes, while polls commissioned by the opposition-minded TV channel Mtavari Arkhi says the party will receive 26,2 per cent of votes in the October 31 parliamentary elections.
Public Defender Nino Lomjaria said the large scale rally organized by the opposition United National Movement in Batumi yesterday was ‘completely irresponsible’ amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lomjaria also stated that thousands of people should not be allowed to gather without wearing face masks and violate social distancing rules.
The opposition United National Movement – Strength in Unity party held an outdoor presentation of its majoritarian candidates and election programme for the upcoming country-wide parliamentary elections in the Black Sea town of Batumi yesterday.