Georgian Opposition: CEC violated the law at appointing date of second round of municipal elections

The Georgian oppositional "United National Movement" (UNM) and "Democratic Movement – United Georgia" Parties have stated that by scheduling the second round of municipal elections for July 12, the Central Election Commission (CEC) violated the Electoral Code.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the first round of elections to local self-governments was held in Georgia on June 15. The CEC appointed the second round on July 12, where they plan to elect Mayors of eight cities and heads of 13 district administrations.

According to UNM, the appointed date of the second round (July 12) had to do with the arrest of Georgy Ugulava, the ex-Mayor of Tbilisi and one of the leaders of the UNM.

The party maintains that the preparation for the second round of elections, when the head of the election office of the party is in detention, is in jeopardy.

Let us remind you that Ugulava was arrested in Tbilisi on July 4 and charged with exerting pressure on the chairman of the Marneuli district election commission in the course of the election campaign.

The party has also pointed out in its statement that, according to the Electoral Code, the date of the second round should have been appointed on July 9, but not at night on July 3, since this decision does not leave time for the parties to appeal against it, if necessary.

Now, party leaders decide on filing a protest to the CEC's decision on the date of the elections.