Opposition Lelo party mayoral candidate withdraws his candidacy in favour of Georgian Dream party nominee

Asef Chiragov, the mayoral candidate of the opposition party Lelo in the Georgian city of Bolnisi, has withdrawn his candidacy in favour of Zamur Chitanava, the ruling Georgian Dream party's candidate. Chiragov also announced that he is leaving the Lelo party altogether.

Chiragov paid a visit to the Georgian Dream party office in Bolnisi, where he expressed his support for Chitanava.

As he noted in his social media message, specific people were trying to use his resources and sincere desire to help his native village as a tool to satisfy their own political interests.

“The public, and especially the people of Bolnisi, know that the Lelo party nominated me as a mayoral candidate. I accepted the offer solely because I truly wished to dedicate my efforts to the well-being of my hometown”, he said in a social media message.

“Unfortunately, I soon realised that certain individuals were trying to use my resources and genuine intentions as tools for their own political agendas. At the same time, I became convinced that the Georgian Dream party's candidate, Mr. Zamur Chitanava, will indeed work for the development of Bolnisi and the protection of the municipality’s residents’ interests if elected. That is why I have decided not to split the votes with him and to withdraw my candidacy in his favour. Today is not the time for quarrels or meaningless political confrontation - what matters most now is preserving peace and stability, which is the only path to development”, Chiragov concluded.