Georgian President offers pardons to convicted politicians for election participation

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Friday announced a conditional offer of pardons for all convicted politicians, provided they express a desire to participate in the upcoming local self-government elections.

In a social media message, Kavelashvili emphasised the importance of inclusive participation in the upcoming local elections, where citizens would vote for mayors and council members in 64 municipalities across the country.

“Exactly three months from now, on October 4, local self-government elections will be held, in which the Georgian population will elect mayors and council members for 64 municipalities. It is important that all political parties registered in accordance with Georgian legislation and expressing a desire to participate in the elections take full part in them. It is also important that all political parties are able to conduct a full-fledged election campaign”, Kavelashvili said.

The President further acknowledged that “as the public is aware, specific leaders of several political parties are serving sentences in penitentiary institutions in accordance with Georgian legislation”.

“Considering this circumstance, I offer all relevant convicted politicians to address me with a statement requesting a pardon and, in the same statement, confirm their desire to participate in the elections. In the event of such a statement, I will immediately issue an act regarding the pardon of the respective convicts”, the President concluded.