Exit Polls Say Ruling Party’s Candidate Leads Mayoral Race in Tbilisi

Edison Research exit polls revealed that Kakha Kaladze, ruling Georgian Dream (GD) candidate, is leading in the Tbilisi Mayoral race.

The results of the exit polls are as follows:

Kakha Kaladze, Georgian Dream - 54%

Zaal Udumashvili, United National Movement – 15%

Alexander Elisashvili, independent candidate – 14%.

The Edison Research organization conducted exit polls as instructed by TV company Rustavi 2. 

As reported by the Company, vice CEO John Haskey, in Kutaisi, West Georgia, GD candidate was supported by 53% of the voters followed by the UNM candidate - 25%. The European Georgia candidate 8%; Democratic Movement candidate Gogi Tsulaia  6%.

According to the party lists, GD got 54% of the votes and the UNM - 22%. 

UNM’s Udumashvili says the party does not believe in the exit poll results, and will wait for the final results of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC).

“We saw how the population was pressured and controlled all day long by representatives of Georgian Dream at the polling stations. Our supporters, who were planning to participate in the elections, were intimidated,” he added.

Elene Koshtaria, Tbilisi Mayoral Candidate of the European Georgia, is also waiting for the final results of the CEC. She says that in case of defeat, she will still continue to campaign for the poor. 

Alexander Elisashvili stated that he does not believe in the exit poll results either.

“Exit polls are a leap from reality. I would like to thank all my supporters,” he said.

GD’s Kaladze also thanked his supporters.

“Thank you all. This is a very emotional day for me. We have been informed about the preliminary results, but we should respect the Central Election Commission that will calculate the votes and officially publish the results. Though we knew that we would win,” said Kaladze.

Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, made a statement saying GD and Kaladze are enjoying a good lead, which means a victory for Tbilisi residents, Georgians and the entire country.

“I would like to congratulate Georgia on conducting peaceful and free local elections. This is another important step towards democracy. I would like to thank everyone for voting, and for showing a high level of civil culture,” he added.

By Thea Morrison