Gakharia for Georgia confirms participation in local elections, pushes for neutral mayoral candidates

One of the leaders of the opposition party Gakharia for Georgia, Beka Liluashvili, has reaffirmed the party's commitment to participating in the upcoming local elections, emphasizing their focus on promoting neutral candidates for mayoral positions.

"Our position regarding participation in the elections has been clear from the very first day," Liluashvili said on Monday. "We have already passed the stage of debating whether or not to take part. Now, our next goal is to select neutral candidates."

Liluashvili further noted that Gakharia for Georgia would engage in discussions with other political groups in hopes of reaching consensus around non-partisan figures to lead local governments. He described such cooperation as a “responsible decision” that would strengthen democratic processes across the country.

The announcement comes amid growing anticipation over opposition strategies for the elections, as parties seek ways to counterbalance the ruling Georgian Dream party’s influence at the municipal level.

Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia founded For Georgia in 2021 after breaking with Georgian Dream.