Opposition Leaders Cast Ballots

Nika Melia, member of the United National Movement and joint opposition majoritarian candidate in Gldani District, Tbilisi:

“It is impossible that such a high turnout from 07:30 in the morning is not guided by a thirst to have a chance for a normal life in this country. The rigid Georgian nation will firmly defeat the oligarch [Bidzina Ivanishvili] today. Starting today, tomorrow, the scene in this country will belong to the talents of Georgian people rather than to some desires of a single person.”

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli, majoritarian candidate in Isani district, Tbilisi:

“I voted for the future of Georgia, for prosperity and, of course, for lots of changes. We have to win together. Today must be a turning point in Georgia’s development. Today, the key to Georgia’s future is in your hands, this is not an ordinary day, but one that defines the decades to come, how the country will prosper, how forward we will go.”

Alexander (Aleko) Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party and majoritarian candidate in Saburtalo district, Tbilisi:

“I voted for a better future… I hope and know for sure that I will fight for better Saburtalo and better Georgia. We will have a hard day today and we will have to fight, but ultimately, we will bring change and make a step for a better Georgia tonight.”

Badri Japaridze, leader Lelo for Georgia party and its majoritarian candidate for Saburtalo district, Tbilisi:

October 31 election is “a crucial vote to stop the downfall of the country and to start building a strong state.”