The leaders of Georgia’s domestic opposition parties on Saturday cast their votes in the ongoing general elections in Georgia, which mark the country's first fully-proportional vote since it regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and the first vote where approximately 90 percent of ballots will be cast electronically.
Tina Bokuchava, the Chair of the Unity - National Movement platform, stated she had voted for the European future for her children, describing the day as one of the “great national victories” and anticipating a change in Government that would see “coalition forces come to power and expedite Georgia's accession to the European Union, providing citizens with opportunities for European prosperity”.
In his comments, Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the Lelo opposition party from the Strong Georgia coalition, expressed the importance of the day for the future of the country, and stated he had voted for the “real alternative, the beginning of the period when real reforms will be carried out in this country”.
Khazaradze expressed his optimism, and thanked “all voters”, including immigrants and first-time voters, for their “civic responsibility”.
Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli, expressed his belief that Georgian citizens “all support moving towards Europe, prosperity in Europe”, and today was a “decisive day, which will decide the next decades in Georgia, how we will live in the country”.
Vashadze also called on “all citizens” to participate in the elections.
Zurab Girchi Japaridze, the Girchi - More Freedom opposition party leader, described the day as “historic for the country”.
I am sure that the citizens will choose a path that ultimately leads to EU and NATO membership, and in five or six years, we will be a full member of the European Union. I have a feeling that we will move forward in peace. I voted for this, and I believe the majority of Georgian citizens will make the same choice”, Japaridze said.
Giorgi Gakharia, the leader of the opposition For Georgia party, pointed out the importance of voting “to return Georgia to a normal, democratic, free, fair, European development path”.
Gakharia also urged citizens to participate in the electoral process and make their choice.