Georgian PM: better for democracy the ruling party not to put forward candidate for presidential elections

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has stated that it would be better for the democracy of the country the Georgian Dream party not to put forward a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. 

The PM said given that Georgian Dream already holds a parliamentary majority and on top of that, has an advantage in almost all the self governing bodies in the country, not putting forward a party candidate for the presidential elections would ensure the efficacy of the checks and balances system.

"The philosophy of the Georgian Dream is to build a real European democracy and parliamentary republic. Accordingly, despite the interests of the party and the existence of several potentially good candidates, there is a second important argument and for democracy it would be better not to name any of them. Both arguments are valuable so the consultations will continue,” PM Bakhtadze added.

He said the ruling party will discuss possible options and inform the public about the decision in a ‘short period of time’.

Presidential elections will be held in Georgia in October this year.