Opposition Campaigns in Western Georgia

Leaders from the nine-party opposition bloc launch campaign in western Georgian regions on Sunday.

After visiting Guria region on Sunday the bloc leaders left for Adjara Autonomous Republic and then will be in Svaneti and Racha-Lechkhumi as part of the campaign trail.

MP Zviad Dzidziguri of the Conservative Party – part of the nine-party bloc – said the opposition had to concentrate more on provincial regions.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday ruling party leader Davit Bakradze called on other political parties to meet and elaborate code of conduct “that will prevent hampering each others campaigns.” He said there had been cases of “provocations” against some of the MP candidates in recent weeks. The nine-party opposition bloc, however, has rejected the proposals. “We have nothing to talk with the ruling party,” MP Dzidziguri said.

Few weeks ago nine political parties – including the ruling party and three parties which are part of the nine-party bloc – have signed a code of conduct proposed by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), undertaking commitments aimed at enhancing the campaigning environment.