Elections
In only a year from its formation, the New Conservatives achieved considerable results. In the local elections held on June 2, 2002, NCP came out first nation-wide and third in Tbilisi. After the victory in the local elections, the party set itself preparing for the parliamentary elections. A few months prior to the November 2, 2003 parliamentary elections, the NCP 2nd Congress elected David Gamkrelidze as a new chairman. The New Conservatives managed to successfully overcome the established seven percent threshold. A number of parties boycotted the November 2, 2003 election results accusing the authorities of fraud. This triggered fierce public discontent nation-wide, which eventually resulted in the toppling of Shevardnadze’s regime in the Rose Revolution.
Despite the just outrage of the people, the NCP considered it unacceptable that the government should be changed by means of street demonstrations, as they believed it to be unconstitutional.
Participating in the repeat elections of 2004, the New Conservatives passed the seven percent threshold once again. The NCP united with another center-right party – Industry will Save Georgia – and formed a Coalition Right Opposition.
Read more about this topic: New Rights (Georgia)
Famous quotes containing the word elections:
“In my public statements I have earnestly urged that there rested upon government many responsibilities which affect the moral and spiritual welfare of our people. The participation of women in elections has produced a keener realization of the importance of these questions and has contributed to higher national ideals. Moreover, it is through them that our national ideals are ingrained in our children.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)
“Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)