Nine opposition parties, in a statement on November 14, outlined what they see as basic preconditions for free and fair elections.

The parties want to see Imedi and Kavkasia TV stations back on air, have the composition of election administrations at all three levels decided on a parity basis and the end of what they describe as repression against those who participated in the November 7 protest rally.

“We believe that the mass violation of human rights and restrictions on free media will undermine the possibility of holding a free and democratic election, which in turn will reinforce the existing political crisis in the country,” the statement reads.

“It rests with the authorities to resolve these problems. We are willing to continue dialogue with them, but only if they have the political willingness to immediately resolve these problems.”

Talks are expected to resume between five opposition parties and ruling party leaders on November 15. The meeting was initially scheduled for November 14, but was postponed for unknown reasons.