PM rejects “narrative” questioning legitimacy of upcoming elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday claimed “narratives” about illegitimate elections was a “direct indication” that someone “a priori” didn’t want to accept the defeat of the domestic “radical” opposition in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze highlighted the “unprecedentedly calm” electoral environment.

Talking about illegitimate elections today is a direct indication that someone a priori does not want to accept the defeat of the radical opposition, our approval rating is about 60 percent, so they are nervous”, the PM said.

The Government head further claimed that the approval rating of the ruling Georgian Dream party was about 60 percent.

Our approval rating today is about 60 percent, so they are nervous. Yesterday the opposition Ahali party held its general meeting, [and] 1 500 chairs were arranged [for the meeting] and they could not even fill it. How can they talk about winning the elections? It is absurd. Therefore, the focus has been shifted to the legitimacy of the elections”, he continued.

He further added that there was “not even the slightest reason” for questioning the legitimacy of the elections.