Ruling party urges voter election participation to “ensure protection of peace, national values”

The ruling Georgian Dream party on Tuesday called on voters to actively participate in the upcoming October 26 general elections, emphasising the importance of securing a constitutional majority to implement changes for "longstanding peace" and pass “crucial bills for the protection of national values”.

In a statement, the party’s Political Council urged voters to prioritise the elections, stressing the fate of Georgia rested in their hands to ensure a “free and strong” country for future generations. 

The Council highlighted that stronger electoral support would minimise the likelihood of adversaries “destabilising the country”, preventing the return of the "local war party" - a reference to the United National Movement opposition - and “thwarting any attempts to open a second front" in Georgia amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

GD argued that greater electoral backing would ensure a "peaceful November, December, and the following four years", reducing “obstacles” to the nation's overall progress and economic development.

The party stressed “strengthening peace” during the elections was the nation's “top priority, making every vote critical”.

The more votes the GD receives, the quicker and more effectively Georgia's relations with the United States and the European Union will be reset, and the protection of Georgia's national interests on the international stage will be solidified”, the party noted.

The GD further emphasised "each vote for GD represents a stronger guarantee of peace, stability, and development for Georgia”, and described the forthcoming elections as a “crucial referendum” for the Georgian people to decide their future - “whether to choose peace or war, uphold traditional values or succumb to moral degradation, seek independence or remain under external influence” - and support either the “collective United National Movement” or the ruling party in the vote. 

The party also stressed that securing a constitutional majority - at least 113 votes in the 150-member Parliament - would allow it to pass the bill On Family Values and Protection of Minors, which has already been introduced in the legislative body. GD claimed the spread of alleged “pseudo-liberal ideology” posed a “growing threat worldwide, as evidenced by the recent Paris Olympics' opening ceremony”, which they claimed had included elements that “insulted Christian beliefs and promoted LGBT propaganda”.

This ideology seeks to erode human dignity, morality, and identity, turning individuals into easily manipulated subjects devoid of national, religious, or personal identity. A constitutional majority will empower the GD to pass this bill, ensuring the protection of family values and minors at the highest constitutional level”, it said. 

Once adopted, the party claimed the law would prevent recognition of same-sex marriage, legalisation of civil partnerships, adoption by same-sex couples, gender reassignment surgeries, and “propagation of pseudo-liberal ideologies” in educational institutions and the media, which it said had already caused "severe consequences in other countries".

Describing the peaceful resolution of conflicts as a “critical national priority”, the party said amending the constitution would be necessary if this goal was achieved, in order to align the governance system and territorial arrangement with the new reality.

Given the dynamic events surrounding Georgia, we must be prepared for such a situation. The opposition's anti-state stance suggests they would likely oppose the constitutional changes required for restoring territorial integrity. Therefore, GD needs a constitutional majority to ensure that no obstacles hinder the implementation of these essential constitutional amendments”, the party said.

It also announced that "another crucial issue" related to “protecting Georgia's identity and national values” was currently under consultation within the party and would be made public by the end of the month.