The United National Movement [UNM] members are confiscating citizens’ ID cards in Zugdidi villages and offering money in exchange for falsely accusing the Georgian Dream party of the confiscations. Such a statement made today Mamuka Tsotseria, the Mayor of Zugdidi.

“The representatives of UNM are going door-to-door in villages, confiscating ID cards, taking photos, and offering GEL 200 in exchange for citizens falsely claiming that Georgian Dream representatives took their IDs. Moreover, they have involved representatives of the former government’s special forces in their election campaign, who have specific tasks for Election Day.

These are the UNM members: David Pipia, Mamuka Gogia, Gaga Jalaghonia, and David Vekua. These individuals are taking IDs from our citizens in villages in exchange for money and trying to blame our representatives for these actions.

For example, last night in the village of Rike, they approached an 80-year-old bereaved mother and offered her GEL 200 in exchange for her ID and a comment on camera that the Georgian Dream representatives had taken it from her. The same incident occurred in Kulishkari, Jikhashkari, and the IDP settlement on Baramia Street. Our opponents are solely focused on creating fake news to somehow spread false information that the pre-election period is fraught with violations. I call on international observer organizations to investigate the actions of opposition parties and document existing violations.

The UNM’s election campaign in Samegrelo is led by the former governor of the region, Zaza Gorozia, who was implicated in creating and using fake IDs in 2012. This individual has been caught in such dirty actions multiple times. The UNM is not interested in the elections or their results. They are preparing for the day after the elections.

They have gathered around them members of the former government’s violent groups who have been implicated in various crimes. These individuals have specific tasks: to confiscate citizens’ IDs and create chaos and confrontations at polling stations on election day. They want to create a negative atmosphere”, - said Mamuka Tsotseria.

He listed several former policemen allegedly involved in opposition’s plans, including Ruslan Shamakhia, David Darsmelidze, Lasha Ekonia, Goga Levan, Gela Kakulia, Manuchari Pipia, Gocha Esartia, Kakha Kvaratskhelia, David Melia.

“We are conducting our election campaign in a calm and free environment. We are focused on ensuring that the pre-election period and E-day are held in a peaceful environment where citizens can express their will. The only force interested in bringing negativity into this environment is the collective representatives of the UNM. I urge all political parties to act within the framework of the law. There will be the strictest, legally prescribed response to any misconduct. No one has the right to restrict our citizens’ freedom of choice. I also urge voters not to give their ID cards to anyone. If someone comes to you, take a photo, provide it to us, and there will be a strict response to every incident”, - concluded the Mayor.