Eight Gakharia party members may enter Parliament; no confirmation from their party yet

Eight members of Giorgi Gakharia’s party may end their political boycott and enter Parliament, though the party itself has not officially confirmed this.

According to available information, it is reported that these individuals, who are replacing suspended MPs, have submitted applications to the legislative body to take their seats. The candidates include Tamar Khvedeliani, Vika Pilpani, Giga Parulava, Giorgi Sharashidze, Malkhaz Toria, Gela Abuladze, Salome Kobaladze, and Sofio Khorguani.

“We have received written statements from these individuals who meet the necessary criteria, such as refusing incompatible positions. They are now preparing the required documents to enter Parliament. Gakharia himself acknowledged that their previous decision to boycott was a mistake. This reflects the challenges faced by the opposition; they sometimes act under external directives, leading to errors like refusing to enter Parliament,” Davit Matikashvili, chair of the parliamentary procedural committee, stated.

Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of Gakharia’s party, denied the reports, emphasising that the Gakharia for Georgia party has not halted the parliamentary boycott.

“We have not initiated any procedures or made any appeals to the Georgian Parliament. A decision will be made after the October 4 elections,” he said.

On September 2, the Parliament of Georgia recognised the authority of 12 Gakharia party members. The proposed replacements for Gakharia and his colleagues include Gela Abuladze, Jemal Ananidze, Ketevan Bakaradze, Rusudan Tevzadze, Malkhaz Toria, Shalva Kereselidze, Salome Kobaladze, Giga Parulava, Vika Pilpani, Giorgi Sharashidze, Tamar Khvedeliani, and Sophio Khorguani.

Giorgi Gakharia has previously described the refusal of mandates as a mistake and has not ruled out the possibility of members re-entering Parliament.