Ruling party Executive Secretary accuses domestic political parties, NGOs going against constitutional arrangement

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling party Georgian Dream party, on Sunday claimed the domestic opposition political parties and representatives of non-governmental organisations had violated the country’s Constitutional arrangement for the third time.

Mdinaradze’s comments came after the representatives of the NGOs, the United National Movement and Coalition for Change, involving Ahali, Girchi – More Freedom, and Droa opposition parties later on Saturday claimed they would not recognise the results of the “stolen” parliamentary elections.

See how our words have come true that these people, our respectable opposition, were not preparing for the [parliamentary elections] October 26 and for having any results in the elections but were getting ready for [some] actions on October 27”, Mdinaradze said.

The official also addressed claims made by the opposition parties regarding a “complex scheme” used by the Government, by saying “yes, we have a complex scheme, and it is called love for our homeland, service to our country, people, and democracy”.

At the briefing, Mdinaradze also congratulated Ilia Topuria, a Georgian mixed martial arts wrestler, on his recent victory and retaining his UFC featherweight title by defeating Max Holloway. He expressed pride in both Topuria’s success and the achievements of Georgia and the ruling party, adding there were “two knockouts in one day”.

When there is a 41 percent difference between the first and second-placed parties, it highlights a complex scheme, a significant advantage, which I reiterate, is about serving one’s homeland”, he added.

Mdinaradze dismissed allegations of election fraud made by the opposition representatives, calling them “nonsense”, while also criticising the timing of their briefings, alleging coordination among them, adding “we are witnessing a political funeral performed by the UNM”.