Georgian President pardons opposition leaders Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze ahead of local elections

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Friday pardoned Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, the leaders of the opposition Strong Georgia-Lelo party.

In a social media message, the President noted that despite various circumstances, the decision had been made “to eliminate even the slightest pretext for anyone to claim that the local self-government elections [scheduled for October 4] are being held under conditions of limited competitiveness”.

The statement emphasised that although the elections would have remained competitive even with the two leaders serving their prison sentences, Kavelashvili decided to issue pardons to ensure a fully open electoral process.

“I hope that in the future they will continue their political activities with respect for the law. I call on all electoral subjects to contribute to the conduct of local self-government elections in a healthy and peaceful environment. I wish success to all participants who take part in these elections with a genuine commitment to the development of municipalities and the realisation of citizens’ interests”, the President said.

The President underlined that elections should never serve as an indulgence for politicians who commit crimes and noted that Khazaradze and Japaridze had previously rejected his offer of pardon. Nevertheless, he said he chose to move forward with the decision in the interest of ensuring a fully competitive electoral environment.