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Republicans Speak about Repression in Kutaisi

May 8, 2008

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Resignation letters were written on the behalf of the Election Chairperson a draft letter suddenly appeared on his own desk at the headquarter of the Republican Party in Kutaisi on the morning of the 8th of May. Republican members of district election committee were soon informed about the resignation of Vladimer Nakashidze in the written resignation.

“Instances of committee members’ facing repression and threats have increased each day. They come and proffer resignation letter and don’t conceal forced resignations. They are openly sought by those who take exception to normal political processes. When I ask reason they can only answer how they are have been seriously repressed by the chairperson of district election committee it is a matter of policy. I really sorry for those people who had to write a letter of resignation with tear filled eyes;  they have been so much threatened , and they are too afraid to divulge any details”, - states Vladimer Nakashidze, a single mandate candidate, and chairperson of the Kutaisi political organization.  

It was explained how Manana Leshkasheli, Eka Tvildiani and Leila Makharoblidze, members of the 77th and 83th district election committee, were threatened by those working in the police.  They were told that if they do not leave their job those things will turn out bad for them.  The district where they were assigned as committee members is mostly settled by refugees.

“You know that refugees are serious foundation of support government in elections. Correspondingly they try their best to neutralize committee members whose loyalties may be in question.   Akaki Bobokhidze, the former governor of Imereti region, who is a single mandate candidate of Kutaisi, is responsible for controlling the structures that are involved in repression. He deals with local the local police and security services.  The system is even now more active than it was during the presidential elections.  It will be necessary to hold these people responsible under the criminal code in the aftermath of elections that are schedule sometime after the 21st of May. There are two types of violators involved and to be subjected to the law:  the one who give the order and for those who followed such illegal orders. Those responsible should not think now that they will get away with this, explains Nakashidze.

Leila Makharoblidze who refrains from making any public comment, was a committee member during presidential elections as well.  As Nakashidze explained Makharoblidze had serious problems with commission chairperson at that time too. She is mother of the chairperson of the district municipality board chairperson’s mother and  she is a supporter of  ruling National party”.

Vladimer Nakashidze says: “District governor came to Miss Leila and asked her the reason of her being a member of the “Republicans”. He then advised her to quit the opposition party and gave her his own mobile phone number and told her to ring him up. The police representatives then came to her at home next day and announced that TV-set of the LG brand in her home had been stolen by her son. Regardless of the allegation, they only found a Sony TV set instead of LG one, as they first claimed had been stolen by the son. Makharoblidze’s son still sits in jail. The sought after TV set has still not been returned and the criminally charged person was let go under the condition that his mother will behaves herself well. 

It was said among “Republicans” election staff that they appreciate how brave are those people who openly said that they were repressed. However, it is a shame no such people on election commission. Those are only those who are cowed and are not willing to speak up in protecting their rights as citizens. They are only working now in their place under conditions of fear. There is always the possibility that police will somehow learn about people’s political orientation and take appropriate measures. The police will even ask voters openly as whom they want to vote and then they will write down their telephone numbers.  The government finds itself in a tight situation as it sees no other way that it can honestly win the election. Moreover, it is clear that regional election committee members will do nothing in response to such actions on the part of the government and it enforcers.”

“Regional election committees are not in the position to do anything in response to such allegations.   The “Republican party” has not officially lodged any complaint over the above-mentioned circumstances.  Resignation letters of committee members should only be written on the behalf of regional committee chairperson instead of “Republican’s” Chairperson.  Committee members are election administration officials and they should follow the legal instructions as the standard rule of working. They take their wages form election budget and they should do their jobs in a proper way.  It should be said that committee members go to election districts from the ranks of election staffs and even try to provoke groundless arguments”,- said Avtandil Osepashvili, chairperson of Kutaisi 59th district election committee.

When it comes to the repression among committee members, it is told that among staff members of “Republicans” that international organizations have been information about the problems that are faced, and how these organizations may make an announcement in the nearest future about what they consider to be the problem and how address it.

 

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