Gakharia for Georgia and Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition sign pact ahead of local elections

The Gakharia for Georgia party and the Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition have signed a memorandum of cooperation ahead of the country’s local self-government elections, scheduled for October. 

The agreement, signed by Berdia Sichinava, Executive Secretary of Gakharia for Georgia, and Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of Lelo – Strong Georgia, outlines plans for coordinated action during the upcoming vote.

Speaking at the signing, Sichinava said the two political groups would work together to avoid internal competition and maximise their chances against the ruling party.

“Our political union and the Strong Georgia coalition are launching a joint struggle and coordination effort for the local elections,” he said. “These are not ordinary elections. We must rule out competition between ourselves.”

He added that the parties would aim to agree on non-partisan, neutral candidates for mayoral races, as well as joint candidates for majoritarian council seats. The cooperation, he stressed, was not an endorsement of the current political climate but rather a strategic move to amplify public discontent.

“On the contrary, this is another line of giving a new impetus to the large-scale spread and expansion of the protest,” Sichinava said.