The Georgian Orthodox Church cannot be a political party, but on October 26 it will support the choice that will contribute to long-term peace in the country, the Georgian Patriarchate said in a statement.
Parliamentary elections in Georgia will be held on October 26, the government has declared October 25 a non-working day based on an appeal from the Central Election Commission.
"We have repeatedly stated that the Georgian Orthodox Church, as the greatest unifier and guardian of our country and people, cannot be represented as a political party," the statement said.
At the same time, the Patriarchate noted that the GOC will support the choice of the people, which will bring peace to the country.
"The Georgian Orthodox Church will unconditionally support the choice that will bring long-term peace to Georgia and strengthen those values in society that will contribute to strengthening Christian and family traditions," the statement said.
The ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party is going to the parliamentary elections on October 26 with a single list with its colleague in the parliamentary majority, the Power of the People party.
The former ruling United National Movement party (created by Mikhail Saakashvili) and the parties created by its former members – Yes to Europe (Agmashenebeli Strategy) and European Georgia - joined together for the elections.
Girchi – More Freedom, Droa and Akhali, which were founded by former members of the National Movement, as well as the Republican Party and the public organization Activists for the Future, are going to the elections with one electoral list.
The Lelo for Georgia, For the People, Citizens party, founded by the founders of one of the country's largest banks (TBC), and the Freedom Square political movement of representatives of non-governmental organizations joined forces for the elections.
On the eve of the elections, 28 parties and movements that adhere to conservative views and advocate the establishment of relations with Russia decided to join forces. Among them are the parties "Alliance of Patriots of Georgia", "Conservative Movement/Alt-Info", "Georgian Idea", "Christian Democratic Movement" and others.
According to the materials of RIA Novosti