**Georgia Sets Date for Local Elections Amid Opposition Boycott**
The president of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, has officially announced October 4 as the date for the country’s local elections. This comes after a decree was issued on August 1, marking the start of the campaign for the municipal vote.
However, the opposition is not participating in this election. Nine parties have chosen to boycott the vote, including major forces such as United National Movement/Unity and Coalition for Change. These groups had previously participated in last year’s parliamentary elections, which were disputed.
On the other hand, two prominent parties – Lelo/Strong Georgia and Gakharia’s For Georgia – are determined to run in the election. They have even started campaigning together, with a joint strategy to select mayoral candidates. Speculation is rife about who could be their nominee for Tbilisi mayor. Some names being considered include Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens Party and former rival of current Mayor Kakha Kaladze.
The political climate in Georgia remains tense ahead of the election, with ongoing repression, legislative crackdowns on opposition, and repeated guilty verdicts in protest-related cases. Opposition parties are boycotting the vote due to concerns over democratic backsliding and Georgia’s shift away from the EU path.
**Opposition Leaders Face Repression**
Eight opposition figures, including six active political leaders, are currently imprisoned for defying a parliamentary commission chaired by GD veteran Tea Tsulukiani. Gakharia also remains abroad as he faces two separate probes over his actions when he was interior minister.
The president had offered to pardon the jailed leaders if they agreed to participate in the elections, but this offer was rejected by the arrested politicians. The opposition is determined not to back down, despite the risks involved.
**Key Dates**
* July 4: President Kavelashvili offers to pardon jailed opposition leaders.
* August 1: President issues decree launching campaign for local elections.
* October 4: Official date set for Georgia’s local elections.
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