Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili criticized the opposition’s participation in the upcoming local elections, calling it a “distraction” that has created unnecessary division.

“I don’t support those taking part in these elections. They’re essentially a sham,” she said in a media interview, adding that unity should be the main priority.

Zourabichvili emphasized her commitment to be “wherever there is unity” and warned against actions that could fuel government-driven destabilization scenarios.

She reiterated that elections should not have been the focus at this time and called for strong opposition unity ahead of key dates on September 13 and October 4.