CEC preliminary results predict runoffs for mayoral candidates, GD leading proportional race

The Georgian Central Election Commission (CEC) has released preliminary results of yesterday’s municipal elections. 

Per the results, in which almost half of the voters were counted, the second round of elections will take place for mayors in all five self-governing cities of Georgia and in 15 of 59 self-governing communities. 

None of the candidates, where the runoff will take place, were able to receive at least 51 percent of votes. 

In 14 of 15 self-governing communities, runoffs will take place between the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) and the United National Movement (UNM) opposition candidates, the only exception is Tianeti where Tamaz Mechiauri from the United Georgia and the GD candidate will compete. 

In all other self-governing communities, where runoffs are not expected, the GD candidates are winning. 

In Tbilisi 320 of 769 polling stations have been counted and the results are as follows: Kakha Kaladze – GD – 45.5%, Nika Melia – UNM – 34.13%. 

In the proportional part of the elections for city assemblies, 1446 of 3,743 polling stations have been counted. Results are as follows: 

• Ruling GD party – 48.56%.
• UNM – 31.23%.
• Ex-PM Gakharia’s For Georgia party – 6.87%.
• Lelo – 2.6%. 
• European Georgia – 1.82%. 
• Alliance of Patriots – 1.42%. 
• Third Force – Strategy the Builder – 1.27%.
• Labour Party – 1.25%. 
• Zurab Japaridze -Girchi More Freedom – 1.04%. 

Political parties will need at least 2,5 per cent of votes to receive seats in Tbilisi City Assembly and 3 per cent in other city assemblies across the country.