**Partial Boycott Marks Municipal Elections in Georgia**
Seventeen political parties have registered to run in the municipal elections scheduled for October 4, but the opposition is divided over whether to participate. The ruling Georgian Dream party has already endorsed incumbent Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze for a third term.
The main opposition parties, Lelo and Gakharia’s For Georgia, are in talks about running a joint candidate, but have not yet announced one. However, several senior members of Lelo/Strong Georgia have dissented from the decision to run in the elections, citing concerns over repression and electoral fairness.
**Key Players:**
* The ruling Georgian Dream party has endorsed incumbent Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze for a third term.
* Lelo and Gakharia’s For Georgia are discussing running a joint candidate.
* Several senior members of Lelo/Strong Georgia have dissented from the decision to run in the elections.
**Background:**
The municipal elections were originally scheduled for October 2025, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with two months remaining before the scheduled vote, the political climate remains tense, marked by ongoing repression, legislative crackdowns on the opposition and freedom of expression, and repeated guilty verdicts in protest-related cases.
**Key Issues:**
* The decision by Lelo/Strong Georgia to run in the elections despite concerns over repression.
* The discussion between Lelo and Gakharia’s For Georgia about running a joint candidate.
* The division within the opposition over whether to participate in the municipal elections.
