Gakharia-For Georgia opposition alleges ‘systemic political harassment’ of mayoral candidate in Akhmeta

 Zaza Tavadze, a leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of “systemic political harassment” after their majoritarian candidate in Akhmeta,eastern Georgia, David Margoshvili, was allegedly forced to leave his job amid “threats, pressure, and blackmail.”

Speaking at a briefing on Monday, Tavadze said the case was part of a broader pattern of pre-election intimidation. Margoshvili has reportedly been in contact with the Prosecutor’s Office for over a week, but the case was redirected to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure, which Tavadze said had reflected a failure of state institutions to act independently.

“The abducted state institutions continue to serve the interests of the Georgian Dream rather than the citizens’ free choice. Our party will not allow citizens to be left alone facing the regime,” Tavadze said.

He also criticized boycotting opposition parties for indirectly aiding alleged election manipulation and urged full transparency for voters in upcoming elections.