Prepared by Messenger Staff
Lelo and Gakharia for Georgia Sign Memorandum on Local Elections
Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the political union Strong Georgia - Lelo, and Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the party Gakharia for Georgia, held a meeting in one of the European countries to discuss cooperation ahead of the municipal elections.
Following the meeting, the parties issued a joint statement announcing the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The agreement focuses on avoiding competition between the two political groups in the upcoming elections and presenting joint candidates.
"The Memorandum of Understanding signed between our political parties is aimed at eliminating competition between each other in the upcoming municipal elections. This partnership is based on equality, responsibility and coordination, which puts the interests of the population of Tbilisi and Georgia above party interests," the statement reads.
As part of the agreement, the parties presented their chosen candidates for key positions in Tbilisi. Irakli Kupradze was nominated as the joint candidate for Mayor, while Giorgi Sharashidze was named as the candidate for Chairman of the City Council.
The statement describes Kupradze as "a young, honest politician with a clean past and reputation, who has always been on the front lines of the struggle against various regimes," expressing confidence that he would be a "worthy, honest mayor of Tbilisi, for whom the main concern will be a better life for every Tbilisi resident."
Sharashidze, meanwhile, was introduced as "an experienced professional who, with his principles, has always stood and will stand on the guard of Tbilisi's interests."
According to the statement, the memorandum is intended to serve as "a good example of how two parties with different identities can cooperate in a business-oriented manner."
Imedi TV Crew Denied Entry to Moldova Ahead of Elections
Pro-Georgian Dream broadcaster Imedi TV said Friday that its crew was denied entry to Moldova, where they planned to cover the parliamentary elections on September 28.
"Our journalist and cameraman were denied entry to Chisinau to cover the elections," the program Imedi's Week said on September 26. "After being held for five hours at the airport, the crew was moved to the departure hall, placed under supervision, and have not been told when they will be allowed to return home."
The channel said the crew's documents and phones were confiscated and their movement restricted. Moldovan authorities reportedly cited lack of proof of residence, financial means, and purpose of entry, which Imedi called false.
"Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on Sunday, and Imedi's Week went there precisely to cover the electoral process. Such is Moldovan democracy and the 'European' standard of obstructing journalistic activity," the program added.
