**Municipal Elections in Georgia: A Complex and Divided Landscape**
The municipal elections, scheduled to take place on October 4, have been marked by controversy and divisions. Seventeen political parties have registered to participate in the vote, but two major opposition forces, the United National Movement (UNM) and the Coalition for Change, have been stripped of their long-held ballot numbers.
**Who’s Running?**
Among those registered are several prominent parties, including the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Irakli Kobakhidze. Other notable parties include Lelo/Strong Georgia coalition, For Georgia party led by ex-Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and two ultra-conservative forces – Alliance of Patriots of Georgia and Conservatives for Georgia.
**A Twist in the Ballot Numbers**
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has assigned new ballot numbers to some parties. The UNM’s long-held number 5 is now held by Our United Georgia, while the Coalition for Change’s number 4 is now with Georgians’ Unity. This move has sparked controversy among opposition supporters who have been accustomed to these numbers.
**Why Is the Opposition Boycotting?**
Nine opposition parties, including some that ran together in previous elections, have vowed to boycott the municipal vote. They cite ongoing repression and legislative crackdowns on the opposition as reasons for their decision. The United National Movement, a major opposition force, is also among those boycotting.
**What’s at Stake?**
The municipal elections are significant because they determine the local government in several cities and towns across Georgia. The ruling Georgian Dream party has already endorsed incumbent Kakha Kaladze for Tbilisi mayoral candidate, sparking controversy. Other parties are still deciding on their candidates, with some like Lelo and For Georgia considering a joint candidate.
**Ongoing Tensions**
The political climate remains tense in Georgia, marked by ongoing repression, legislative crackdowns on the opposition, and repeated guilty verdicts in protest-related cases. Eight opposition figures are currently jailed for defying a parliamentary commission chaired by GD veteran Tea Tsulukiani. The situation is complex, with many questions still unanswered.
**Key Developments**
* Lelo and For Georgia have agreed to cooperate for local elections.
* ODIHR regrets the Georgian government’s decision not to invite their monitoring mission.
* A group of three senior members has dissented from Lelo/Strong Georgia’s decision to run in the municipal vote.
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