2024-11-04 20:43:00
Tbilisi – Thousands of people protested in front of parliament in Georgia against the results of the disputed election. “The Georgian people will never accept fake election results,” opposition Akhali party leader Nika Melia said on Monday. “An invincible protest movement is rising and will sweep away the regime that stole our votes,” he continued. Melia announced daily protests and the next rally was planned for Tuesday.
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**Interview with Nika Melia, Leader of the Opposition Akhali Party**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Nika. Can you explain the main grievances that are fueling the protests in Tbilisi?
**Nika Melia:** Thank you for having me. The core issue is the widespread belief that the recent election results were manipulated. The Georgian people are determined to stand against what they perceive as a theft of their votes. This is about restoring democracy and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and counted.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned an “invincible protest movement.” What do you envision as the next steps in this movement?
**Nika Melia:** We are organizing daily protests, and our immediate plan is to gather again tomorrow. This movement will grow stronger with each passing day as more citizens unite for a common cause. We aim to maintain pressure on the current regime until we can secure new and fair elections.
**Interviewer:** How do you respond to those who are concerned that ongoing protests could lead to instability in Georgia?
**Nika Melia:** It’s essential to differentiate between stability and consent. True stability comes from a government that reflects the will of its people. If we ignore the cries for democracy and justice, we risk deeper unrest. The protests are a peaceful yet powerful demonstration of the people’s desire for change.
**Interviewer:** The current government would argue that they have legitimate support and that the elections were conducted fairly. How would you challenge their narrative?
**Nika Melia:** We firmly believe that the people’s voices have been silenced. There are numerous reports of irregularities and voter suppression that cannot be overlooked. We will continue to present evidence and mobilize our supporters to ensure that their concerns are addressed and validated.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what would you say to those who feel disheartened by the political situation?
**Nika Melia:** To those feeling disenchanted, I would say: your voice matters. Change is possible, and it starts with us coming together. We need everyone to engage in this fight for our democracy. Together, we can reshape the future of Georgia.
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**Debate Question for Readers:** Given the current protests in Georgia demanding new elections, do you believe that public dissent is a necessary component of democracy, or do you think that it can lead to greater instability? What are your thoughts?