Khabeishvili Urges Lelo Party to Boycott Elections and Join Protests
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 4, 2025
Levan Khabeishvili, Chair of the Political Council of the United National Movement, has called on the party Lelo - Strong Georgia to boycott the upcoming elections and join street protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.
In a statement released by the UNM press office, Khabeishvili said Lelo must choose a side and accused the party of trying to play both ends.
"You can't be on both sides. You have a decision to make. Either you are on Ivanishvili's side and participate in his elections, or you are with the Georgian people. There is no other configuration possible," Khabeishvili said. "Trying to play both sides would be a betrayal of the Georgian people. Even if politicians stay silent, the people will not forgive you."
Khabeishvili said the only way to defeat Ivanishvili is through unity and continued street protest, not participation in elections he views as illegitimate.
"Even though you've decided to take part in the elections, I still hope you will change your position. There aren't two options - only one: boycott and protest. We will defeat Ivanishvili only through powerful protests in the streets. There is no other way," he stated.
He also warned that joining the electoral process would harm Lelo's credibility and betray political prisoners.
"As things stand, it looks like you are preparing to set up camp on the other side, which will be very damaging for you. But I still hope you won't end up on Bidzina's side. Taking part in these elections would be a betrayal of the prisoners of conscience whom Ivanishvili has unjustly locked up," Khabeishvili said.
