**Georgian President Offers Pardon to Jailed Opposition Leaders**
In a surprise move, Georgian Dream President Mikheil Kavelashvili has announced that he is ready to pardon opposition leaders who are currently serving prison sentences. The condition, however, is that they must pledge to participate in the local elections scheduled for October 4, 2025.
According to Kavelashvili, this offer is aimed at ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process. “It is crucial that all political parties registered according to the Georgian legislation and wishing to do so, take full-fledged participation in these elections,” he said in his July 4 statement. The President emphasized that it is essential for opposition parties to have the opportunity to run a full election campaign.
Several prominent opposition leaders are currently serving prison sentences of up to eight months for defying summonses from the Tsulukiani Investigative Commission. These individuals include Irakli Okruashvili, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Giorgi Vashadze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaradze, and Zurab Japaridze. Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who is leading the opposition For Georgia party, has agreed to testify twice but is currently under investigation.
**Why Local Elections Matter**
The participation of opposition leaders in local elections has been a contentious issue among opposition parties. While some, like Lelo and For Georgia, have shown willingness to participate, others have vowed to boycott what they see as an unfair electoral process. The imprisonment of opposition leaders has added to the tensions surrounding these elections.
**What’s Next?**
It remains to be seen whether opposition leaders will take up the President’s offer and pledge to participate in the local elections. This move could potentially ease tensions between the government and opposition parties, but it also raises questions about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process.
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