Georgia's ruling party taps incumbent Kaladze for Tbilisi mayoral race

The ruling Georgian Dream party has announced its decision to nominate Kakha Kaladze as its candidate for the mayor of Tbilisi in the upcoming local elections.

According to the party, the official nomination and presentation will take place during a congress of the political council scheduled for July 31, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

Kaladze, who currently serves as the mayor of Tbilisi, had previously stated his intention to seek a third term. Georgian Dream is expected to formally present all its mayoral candidates for the forthcoming municipal elections in the near future.

Georgia is set to hold local elections on October 4. Meanwhile, the opposition has yet to nominate a candidate for the Tbilisi mayoral race. A large segment of the opposition has indicated it may boycott the vote, citing its refusal to recognise the results of the parliamentary elections held last October, which it claims were illegitimate and have resulted in an unlawful government.

Kaladze first assumed the role of Tbilisi mayor in 2017 and secured re-election in 2021 for a second term.

By Tamilla Hasanova