Appeal of the Georgian Society to the Leaders
Former high state and political of Georgia, former members of the constitutional and supreme courts, civil activists, academics, artists, and NGOs have issued a joint appeal to global leaders.
They warn that recognizing the parliamentary election results would undermine Georgia’s democratic progress and pro-Western aspirations.
The appeal urges the USA, UK, and EU leaders to stand with the Georgian people and ensure their electoral will is respected.
The authors of the appeal highlight three urgent demands to safeguard Georgia’s democracy:
- Declare the parliamentary election results invalid due to widespread electoral fraud and irregularities.
- Launch an international investigation into the allegations of voter suppression, interference, and intimidation.
- Pressure Georgian authorities to organize new, free, and fair elections under strict international monitoring.
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We write to alert you to an existential threat facing Georgia’s sovereignty and its future as an independent, democratic state. In the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024, the Georgian people were denied their fundamental right to freely choose their government due to widespread, systematic electoral fraud. President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has described this interference as a Russian-led operation facilitated by the Georgian Dream party.
International observers, including the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Parliament—have all documented severe irregularities in the electoral process. Their joint mission cited an uneven playing field, voter intimidation, and restrictive legislation that stifled fundamental freedoms, creating conditions that, as confirmed by local civil society organizations, failed to meet basic standards for a free and fair election.
Furthermore, the U.S. Helsinki Commission has expressed grave concern over the situation, describing the current government’s authoritarian trajectory as a serious threat to Georgia’s democratic future. Similarly, prominent chairs of foreign relations committees from several EU member states have publicly condemned the electoral violations and have called for international intervention to uphold democratic norms and ensure accountability in Georgia. The growing chorus of voices within the U.S. Congress and European parliament’s underscores the widespread international recognition of this issue and the urgent need for corrective action.
Endorsing the results of these elections would signify not only the erosion of Georgia’s democracy but also the end of its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, risking an irreversible descent into authoritarianism. The failure of democracy in Georgia would have a ripple effect across the entire region, signaling an alarming regression of the West in the face of Russia and authoritarian regimes worldwide. It would also represent a grave setback to the international order based on democratic values and shared freedoms.
At this critical juncture, recognizing these election results would be tantamount to conceding Georgia’s independence to Moscow—an outcome with profound, lasting consequences for both Georgia and its allies. With the majority of Georgian society rejecting the legitimacy of these elections as well as an unlawful attempt to seize power, we respectfully call upon leaders of the United States, the UK and European Union, foreign ministers of EU member states, and chairs of foreign relations and EU affairs committees—including those in the U.S. Congress and Senate—to stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and support efforts to restore legitimate governance. Specifically, to urge the Georgian authorities to:
- Release the voting protocols;
- Allow for an international investigation into the violations, manipulations, and fraud that marred the elections;
- Hold early parliamentary elections under a fully reformed electoral administration that guarantees the free and fair expression of the will of the Georgian people.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of Georgia’s friends for standing by our country and people for more than three decades. Your support has been invaluable in the process of building an independent, democratic state of Georgia. Once again, we call on you to stand with Georgia in its fight to preserve democratic principles, freedoms, and a future rooted in shared values.
Initiators:
Civil Movement Vote for Europe and Initiative Culture for Democracy
Signatories:
Former high-ranking state and political officials of Georgia, former members of the constitutional and supreme courts
- Lana Gogoberidze – Ambassador of Georgia to the Council of Europe and UNESCO; Member of the Parliament of Georgia for two terms, Leader of the Parliamentary Majority, Film Director
- Davit Usupashvili – Former Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia
- Davit Bakradze – Former Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia
- Nika Gilauri – Former Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Energy of Georgia, Minister of Finance of Georgia
- Grigol Mgaloblishvili – Former Prime Minister of Georgia
- Maia Kopaleishvili – Former Judge of the Constitutional Court of Georgia
- Ketevan Eremadze – Former Judge of the Constitutional Court of Georgia
- Nino Bakakuri – Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia
- Besarion Alavidze – Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia
- Teimuraz Todria – Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia; Former Chairman of the Disciplinary Chamber of Judges of the Supreme Court of Georgia
- Tedo Japaridze – Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the USA, Canada, and Mexico; Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia, Assistant to the President on Security Affairs; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
- Gela Bezhuashvili – Former Minister of Defense of Georgia; Assistant to the President on National Security Affairs at the National Security Council; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
- Tornike Gordadze – Former State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia
- Aleksi Petriashvili – Former State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia
- Ucha Nanuashvili – Former Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia
- Valeri Chechelashvili – Former Minister of Finance; First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of Georgia to Ukraine and Moldova; Ambassador of Georgia to Russia; Secretary General of BSEC and GUAM
- Gigi Ugulava – Former Mayor of Tbilisi
- Nodar Kharshiladze – Former First Deputy Minister of Defense; Founder of the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center
- Nino Kalandadze – Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Executive Director of the Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education
- Giorgi Badridze – Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Diplomat
- Sophio Khuntsaria – Former Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Journalist, TV Presenter
- Levan Shengelia – Former Member of the 4th Parliament of Georgia
- Ani Mirotadze – Former Member of the 8th Parliament of Georgia
- Tako Charkviani – Former Member of the 10th Parliament of Georgia
Civil movements, scientific and artistic circles, professional associations, analytical non-governmental organizations and their representatives:
- Gogi Alexi-Meskhishvili – People’s Artist of Georgia, Chief Artist of the Shota Rustaveli Drama Theatre and Zakaria Paliashvili Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, Laureate of the Shota Rustaveli Prize and State Prize, Professor at Dartmouth College, USA
- Nino Katamadze – Musician
- Nana Jorjadze – Film Director
- Paata Tsikolia – Drama Director, Playwright
- Nutsa Alexi-Meskhishvili – Film Director
- Maia Gelovani – Actress, TV Presenter
- Nika Machaidze – Musician
- Kakha Kintsurashvili – Actor
- Giorgi Tavartkiladze – Director
- Mamuka Tsutskiridze – Artist, Head of the Art Fund
- Gaga Chkheidze – Germanist, Cultural Manager, former director of Georgian national film Center
- Nino Kirtadze – Film Director
- Nana Ekvtimishvili – Film Director, Writer
- Khatuna Lagazidze – Chairperson of Vote for Europe Movement; Expert in Security Issues
- Lasha Dzebisashvili – Professor at the University of Georgia
- Giorgi Rukhadze – Founder of Vote for Europe Movement; Founder of GSAC; Expert in EU Politics
- Victor Kipiani – Chairman, Analytical Center Geocase
- Beka Kobakhidze – Professor at Ilia State University
- Giorgi Antadze – Researcher in Defense and Security at Geocase
- Zurab Batiashvili – Former Diplomat, Analyst
- Zaza Bibilashvili – Founder and Chairman of the Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education, Senior Partner at BGI Legal
- Davit Bragvadze – Historian, Security Policy Researcher
- Giorgi Targamadze – Former Leader of the Parliamentary Minority; Journalist, Deputy General Director of TV Formula
- Davit Dvali – Founder of TV Company Rustavi 2
- Nino Jangirashvili – Director of TV Company Kavkasia, Journalist
- Teo Giligashvili – Head of the News Department at Main Channel
- Vika Bukia – Journalist, TV Presenter, TV Company “TV Pirveli”
- Tea Adeishvili – Journalist, TV Presenter, TV Company “Mtavari”
- Natia Gogsadze – Journalist, TV Presenter, TV Company “Mtavari”
- Lika Basilaya-Shavgulidze – Member of the Board of Trustees of the Public Broadcaster
- Ekaterine Mishveladze – Presenter, TV Pirveli
- Tengiz Gogotishvili – Journalist, TV Company “Mtavari”
- Irakli Tabliashvili – Journalist, TV Presenter, TV Company “Formula”
- Shalva (Shavlego) Gegechkori – Journalist, Public Broadcaster, Host of Georgian Radio Programs
- Tamar Bagashvili – Journalist, TV Presenter, TV Company “Formula”
- Dodo Shonava – Former General Producer of the Parliamentary-Political Channel of the Public Broadcaster; Host of the socio-political talk show “Active Time” on Radio “Tbilisi”
- Reso Kiknadze – Former Rector of V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire; Professor at Ilia State University
- Nana Sharikadze – Doctor of Art Studies, Former Rector of the State Conservatoire
- Vili Pachkoria – President of the Association of Clinics of Georgia, Doctor of Medicine, Professor
- Bidzina Kulumbegov – Academic Doctor of Medicine, Allergist/Immunologist
- Temur Papaskiri – Professor at TSU, Head of the Department of Modern and Contemporary History
- Iago Kachkachishvili – Sociologist, Professor at Tbilisi State University
- Levan Gordeziani – Professor at TSU
- Tsira Elisashvili – Cultural Heritage Expert, Professor
- Nino Dolidze – Doctor of Social Sciences, Professor, Associate Professor at Ilia State University
- Revaz Abkhazava – Education Specialist
- Simon Janashia – Education Specialist
- Sergo Ratiani – Philosopher, Professor at Ilia State University
- Sophia Kilasonia – Doctor of Cultural Studies, Ilia State University
- Giorgi Chanturia – Education Specialist
- Tamar Tsopurashvili – Doctor, Professor at Ilia State University
- Davit Kolbaia – Historian, Orientalist, Head of Caucasiology Studies at Warsaw University
- Nana Meparishvili – Architect, Invited Lecturer at Caucasus University and Ilia State University
- Lela Chakhaia – Education Researcher
- Sofo Jvania – Georgian Language Lecturer, Warsaw University
- Salome Tsiskarishvili – Doctor of Art Studies, Museologist, Ilia State University
- Nino Chiabrishvili – Associate Professor at Ilia State University
- Megi Kavtuashvili – NGO “Parents for Education”
- Shalva Tabatadze – Professor
- Nino Davitaia – Financier, Professor at the University of Georgia, Insurance Company “Autograph”
- Marina Beridze, Chief Research Fellow at the Arn. Chikobava Institute of Linguistics, Tbilisi State University.
- Bidzina Gujabidze, Mountaineer, Mountain Guide.
- Nikoloz Simonishvili – Former Chairman of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, Lawyer
- Luka Chokhonelidze – Founder of Youth Movement “Step”
- Niko Managadze – Founder of Student Movement “For Freedom”
- Tamaz Elizbarashvili – Businessman, Animal Rights Defender
- Tina Mamulashvili – Publisher, Sulakauri Publishing
- Sophio Gogokhia – Georgian Language and Literature Teacher at Abkhazia’s 10th Public School; Winner of the 2020 National Teacher Prize; Leader of Women’s Initiative Group “Equal”
- Tornike Baratashvili – “Europe Is Our Home”, Kutaisi
- Davit Katsarava – Founder of Anti-Occupation Movement “Strength in Unity”
- Dato Gochava – Founder of the Professional Railway Workers’ Club
- Tamar Mekvabishvili – Journalist, Founder of Civil Platform “Ancestors” and Civic Platform “26”
- Nino Ordenidze – Civil Activist, Defender of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Tsiala Katamidze – Leader in Civil Activism, Batumi
- Levan Chkheidze – Lawyer
- Levan Butkhuzi – Biologist
- Bidzina Gujabidze – mount climber, mountain guide
- Eka Kiknadze – Art Historian, Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film Georgia State University
- Ana Shanshiashvili – Art Historian, Georgian Heritage Crafts Association
- Irena Popiashvili – Director of Kunsthalle Tbilisi
- Irma Zoidze – Investigative Film Studio “REC”, Batumi
- Kote Sulaberidze – Artist
- Nino Chilashvili – Artist
- Ana Gurgenidze – Artist, Curator
- Lasha Bugadze – Writer
- Mikheil Mdinaradze – Composer
- Data Tavadze – Director
- Ana Riaboshenko – Artist, Cultural Manager, former director of Creative Georgia
- Nata Peradze – Civil Activist
- Tekla Machavariani – Film Producer
- Ana Dziapshipa – Film Director, Producer
- Keti Machavariani – Film Director
- Salome Jashi – Film Director
- Levan Abdushelishvili – Film Scholar
- Nino Jincharadze – Producer
- Uta Beria – Director
- Giorgi Tavartkiladze – Film Director
- Ilia Makharadze – Artist, Curator, “Everything Shop” Conceptual Art Space
- Tamar Zhvania – Musician, V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire
- Nino Jvania – Musician, V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire
- Irakli Kakabadze (Iaki Kabe) – Writer
- Manana Tevzadze – Cultural Heritage Protection Specialist
- Archil Giorgobiani – Musician
- David Shugliashvili – Ethnomusicologist
- Teona Japaridze – Art Researcher/Curator
- Otar Berdzenishvili – Georgian Musicians’ Professional Union
- Beso Solomanashvili – Writer, Director
- Tamar Shavgulidze – Film Director
- Giorgi Shvelidze – Cinematographer
- Dr. Dinara Maglakelidze – Film Scientist
- Nino Kukhalashvili – Lawyer
- Ana Khazaradze – Producer, 1991 Productions
- Tea Bakhtadze – Musician
- Giorgi Savanelli – Director, Playwright
- Kristine Darchia – Art Historian
- Mariam Chachia – Documentary Film Director/Producer
- Mariam Chubinidze – Journalist, Marketer
- Ia Bakhtadze – Artist
- Lana Gvinjilia – Director of “Populus Rei”
- Nato Slepakova – Translator, “Freedom Square”
- Davit Tsvariani – Museologist, Composer
- Ana Gelashvili – Civil Activist (Founder and Director of NGO “Lomeki”)
- Nino Kasradze – Actress
- Natia Bukia – Gallerist, “Artbeat”
- Nino Kvavilashvili, Artist, founder of Gallery 27
- Lali Pertenava – Art Historian, Curator
- Maia Pataridze – Numismatist, Ilia State University
- Nato Alkhazishvili – Publisher, Publishing House “Ziari”
- Mariam Kvitsiani – Publisher, Publishing House “Meduza”
- Ana Kiasashvili – Publisher, Publishing House “Meduza”
- Zviad Kvaratskhelia – Writer, Publisher, Magazine “Georgian Literature”
- Lasha Beraia – Publisher
- Maka Kasradze – Publisher, Publishing House “Zebra Group”
- Maia Kudava – Publisher, Publishing House “Artanuji”
- Gvantsa Jobava – Publisher,
- Vasil Guleuri – Children’s Writer, Translator
- Mariam Kikacheishvili – Bookshop “Books in Vake”
- Levan Gholodze – Bookshop “Books in Vake”
- Tamar Bulia – Musician, V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire
- Sofiko Babalashvili – Activist
- Tamar Gugulashvili – Former Advisor to the Greens Party in the European Parliament
- Tamar Sikharulidze – Art Historian
- Khatuna Gogaladze – “Association Bio”
- Maia Aduashvili – Emigrant, Promote Georgia, Amsterdam
- Mariam Nozadze – Political Advisor, Brussels
- Ekaterine Kereselidze – Emigrant, Co-founder of Promote Georgia NGO in Belgium, Employee at the Belgian Court of Appeal
- Tengiz Chachava – Honored Artist, Professor
- Nugzar Sadikovi – Civic Education Teacher
- Ana Kintsurashvili – Mathematics and Civic Education Teacher
- Manana Grigolava – Teacher
- Nino Tkebuchava – Teacher
- Ketino Merebashvili – Geography Teacher
- Gita Tvalabeishvili – Teacher
- Manushak Mkrtichiani – Teacher
- Giorgi Liparishvili – Teacher
- Mzia Iakobadze (Kakhadze) – Teacher
- Natia Uchiava – Teacher
- Manana Mikava – Mentor Teacher of Georgian Language and Literature
- Maka Bibileishvili – Civic Education Teacher
- Natela Davitaia – History Teacher
- Natia Nafetvaridze – Teacher, Publisher
- Ekaterine Tsulukidze – Georgian Language and Literature Teacher
- Giorgi Duduchava – Teacher
- Tamar Bakradze – Teacher
- Laura Gotiashvili – Teacher
- Ketevan Sepiashvili – Teacher
- Tamar Bauzhadze – Teacher
- Khatuna Gelovani – Teacher
- Rusiko Kobakhidze – Teacher
- Davit Paichadze – Teacher
- Maka Chiaberashvili – Teacher
- Mariam Chikvaidze – Teacher
- Shorena Berelidze – Teacher
- Natalia Kechakmadze – Teacher
- Sofia Kukhilava – Teacher
- Sopho Asathiani – Teacher
- Darejan Todua – Teacher
- Nino Tsiklauri – Teacher
- Mariam Keburia – Georgian Language and Literature Teacher
- Tamar Tsanava – Teacher
- Ekaterine Chikovani – Teacher
- Marine Bobokhia – Teacher
- Tiniko Zardiashvili – Teacher
- Temo Sukashvili – Teacher
- Bakur Khijakadze – Teacher
- Tamar Khutsishvili – Teacher
- Lali Margiani – Teacher
- Mimoza Gholijashvili – Teacher
- Salome Furtskhvanidze – Teacher
- Nino Ivanidze – Teacher
- Nana Mgaloblishvili – Teacher
- Shorena Tabatadze – Teacher
- Nino Psuturi – Teacher
- Eka Khutsiberidze – Teacher
- Natia Akhvlediani – Teacher
- Maia Menabde – Teacher
- Khatuna Nozadze – Teacher
- Marina Kharitonashvili – Teacher
- Nino Niparishvili – Teacher
- Teona Bekishvili – TSU, Educator, Literary Scholar
- Tamar Kalichava – English Language Teacher
- Zviad Eliziani – Art Manager
- Teo Khatiashvili – Film Critic, Professor at Ilia State University
- Natia Trapaidze – Designer
- Mari Gulbiani – Film Director, Screenwriter
- Teona Japaridze – Art Journalist/Curator
- Khatuna Khabuliani – Art Historian/Curator, Professor at Ilia State University
- Tiniko Nadirashvil – Film Producer
- Sandro Souladze – Director, Writer
- Nino Suramelashvili, Author, Translator
- Keti Shavgulidze PdD, Art Historian, Professor
Organizations and Civil society groups:
- Civil movement “Vote for Europe”
- Initiative “Culture for Democracy”
- Group “Daitove”
- Civic Group “Ancestors”
- Civic Platform “26”
- May Movement
- Education Policy Center
- Civil Movement “Wave”
- Georgian Film Institute
- Georgian PEN Center
- NGO ICOM Georgia
- NGO Blue Shield Georgia National Committee
- Film Production Company Kino Elva
- NGO “Center for Civic Integration and Interethnic Relations”
- NGO “Georgian House”
- NGO “Art, Culture, Traditions”
- NGO Lomeki established in Kazbegi
- NGO “Open Space Visual and Performing Arts Center”
- Film Production Company OpioDoc
- “Ilia Chavchavadze Charitable Foundation”
- Public and Creative Union “National Imperative”
- Film Art Center “Prometheus”
- Magazine “Georgian Literature”
- Publishing House “Intellect”
- Publishing House “Ziari”
- Publishing House “Meduza”
- Publishing House “Zebra Group”
- Publishing House” Sulakauri Publishing”
- Georgian Musicians’ Trade Union
- Documentary Association Georgia
- Education Trade Union
- League of Supporters of America
- Society of Georgian Parliamentarians
- Organization “Support” for IDPs and Socially Vulnerable
- Public Monitoring of Public Institutions and Municipal Activity
- Georgian Development Fund “Kadagi”
- Youth for European Future
- Association of Public Initiatives
- Civil Unity
- Gallery 27
- Movement Referendum
Minority groups representatives and emigrants
- Giorgi Tumasyan, Chairman of the Armenian Community Platform of Georgia
- Dor L’dor Keti Chikviladze, Progressive Judaism center, Georgia
- Mikheil Chikviladze, Progressive Judaism center, Georgia
- Revaz Berozashvili, project manager of European Commission projects, and platform “Generations for our Country”, Brussels, Belgium.
- Nana Sander,Political and Social Platform – “Stuttgarter Liga”, Stuttgart, Germany
- Aleksandre Petriashvili- Credit/Financing Manager at Hd Hyundai Infracore- movement Referendum, Praha, Czech Republic
- Akaki Rusetsky, physicist, Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, Universität Bonn, Germany
- Vasil Tsiskarishvili, Physician, Social Platform “GeoVote USA”, USA
- Nino Dgebuadze, Program Manager, Social Platform GeoVote USA
- Giorgi Chinchaladze – Architect, cofounder GZA • გზა (Georgisches Zentrum im Ausland), Berlin, Germany
- Marina Kaishauri – Founder of Association « Tamarieli » an emigrant organisation act as both a cultural guardian and vital support system for Georgians living abroad, Strasbourg, France
- Inga Khomeriki- member of association « Tamarieli » . Strasbourg, France.
- David Tskipurishvili – Founder founder of nonprofit organization ,,American Georgians for progress “, USA
- Shorena Lomtadze – member of nonprofit organization ,,American Georgians for progress”, USA
- Tamar Demuria – Civil Society “1 Citizen – 1 Choice” Co-Founder, Comitee members of association acting in Paris “Géorgie vue de France”, Paris , France
- Mamuka Mskhiladze – Doctor, Civil Society “1 Citizen – 1 Choice” member, Paris, France
- Keti Mgeladze – Doctor, Civil Society “1 Citizen – 1 Choice” member, Paris, France
- Besik Tsuladze – Doctor, Civil Society “1 Citizen – 1 Choice” member, Paris, France
- Anna-Nana Jaoshvili – Doctor, Civil Society “1 Citizen – 1 Choice” member, Paris, France
- Otar Bukhrashvili – Physician, Germany
- Sopio Kalatozishvili – Teacher at Euro Schulen Rheinland GmbH, member of Georgian association “Winds” Cologne, Germany
- Sopio Bukia – Physician, Germany,
- Vazha Gaprindashvili – SDA export manager, vice president of Rugby association, Warsaw Poland
- Mzevinar Kavtaradze “Generations for the Country, from Italy Now”
- Natela Basiashvili, Administration Assistant and member of the platform of “Generations for the Country”, Spain
- Shorena Davitashvili, Archaeologist, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ilia State University, Germany
Initiators: Civil movement “Vote for Europe” and Initiative “Culture for Democracy”
