UNM to hold rally in Zugdidi after ‘losing majority’ in city assembly

Head of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party Nika Melia has called on party supporters to  gather in Zugdidi, western Georgia, at a rally tomorrow to ‘defend the party victory’ in Zugdidi city assembly. He said that the time for the rally will be announced later today. 

 

After the recount of invalid ballot papers in four polling stations in Zugdidi late yesterday, the UNM majoritarian candidate, who earlier was declared as a winner, received fewer votes than the Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party candidate. 

 

By the change the UNM may not be able to form a majority in the 45-member city assembly as now it has 22 members, instead of mandatory 23. 

 

The runoff for one constituency between the ruling party and the UNM candidates in Zugdidi on October 30 will make it clear whether the UNM will manage to retain the right to form the majority. 

 

Melia and the UNM members claim that the recount of votes ‘had no grounds’ and that the process took place with violations. 

 

The GD responds that the recount was legitimate and was held with the presence of observers. 

 

Police were called at the building of 67th precinct election commission in Zugdidi shortly before because of the dispute between  the UNM and GD members for the recount.