To eliminate any claims that the elections are being held under conditions of limited competitiveness, I have decided to pardon Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Such a statement was released today the President of Georgia.

“Yesterday, the registration process of electoral subjects for the local self-government elections was completed. Among the registered political unions is “Strong Georgia – Lelo” party, whose leaders are currently serving a sentence in a penitentiary institution for a specific crime.

It is undeniable that the local self-government elections will be held in a competitive environment even under the conditions of their imprisonment. In addition, it is worth emphasizing that in general, elections should not become an indulgence for any politician who commits a crime. Nor should we ignore the fact that the relevant prisoners rejected my offer of pardon several weeks ago, thereby attempting to insult the institution of the President.

However, despite all the above circumstances, in order to leave no reason for anyone to say that the local self-government elections are being held in conditions of limited competitiveness, I have made a decision to pardon two convicted persons - Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze.

I express my hope that in the future they will continue their political activities in accordance with the law. I call on all electoral subjects to contribute to the holding of local self-government elections in a healthy and peaceful environment. I wish success to all electoral subjects who participate in the local self-government elections with a sincere spirit of developing municipalities and realizing the interests of the population”, - reads the statement.