Preliminary Data: GD Candidates Are Leading in 4 Self-Governing Cities

Preliminary data of the Central Election Commission (CEC) shows that the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) candidates are leading in 4 self-governing cities, excluding Kutaisi, where a run off will likely take place.

After counting votes at 83.04% of polling stations in Tbilisi, ruling party candidate Kakha Kaladze is shown to be leading the race with 51.51%, followed by the independent candidate Alexander Elisashvili – 17.42% and the United National Movement (UNM) candidate Zaal Udumashvili – 16.37%.

In Rustavi, GD candidate Irakli Tabaghua got 52.82% of votes, followed by the UNM candidate Zuran Maisuradze - 19.46%.

At present, votes are counted in 85 polling stations in Batumi, and the GD candidate Lasha Komakhidze is leading with 55.06%, followed by UNM’s Levan Antadze - 24.46%.

In Poti, GD candidate 54.92% is leading. The European Georgia candidate Vakhtang Dartsmelidze is in second place with 13.49%.

In Kutaisi, Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Chighvaria has 48,4%, and UNM candidate Grigol Vashadze - 27.28%, which means that a run off is expected.

By Thea Morrison

Edited by Tamzin Whitewood