Lelo’s Tazo Datunashvili: Municipal by-election results show tremendous work ahead; we urge the opposition to cease sabotage and focus on action

“Results from Saturday’s municipal council by-elections underscore the urgent need for political parties to re-engage directly with voters,” Lelo executive Tazo Datunashvili declared on Monday, acknowledging a dismal showing for opposition candidates in key districts.

Speaking on PalitraNews, Datunashvili highlighted exceptionally poor returns in Dmanisi and Tsalka, attributing the low participation to boycott tactics and false revolutionary promises made by rival opposition figures.

“The results tell us precisely what rational analysis predicted: there is an immense amount of work to be done. We saw very poor results in Dmanisi and Tsalka; exceptionally poor. Consequently, our local branches in those two areas must work hard to prevent a recurrence, even considering that these are difficult regions directly controlled by the State Security Service,” Datunashvili stated.

“The election demonstrated that the boycott and the reckless adventure of summoning people into the streets with promises of a one-day revolution, telling citizens they need not vote, effectively suppressed turnout. We cannot single-handedly persuade voters across the entire opposition spectrum; we therefore call upon our colleagues to cease their destructive sabotage and get down to work,” Datunashvili added.

By-elections were conducted across four majoritarian precincts on 3 October: Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, and Akhmeta. The Lelo–Strong Georgia coalition stood as the sole opposition force contesting the polls, fielding candidates in three districts.

Data released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) showed a decisive victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party across all precincts. In Vani, the Georgian Dream candidate secured 87.2% of the vote (387 votes), while the Strong Georgia–Lelo candidate received 12.8% (57 votes).

In Dmanisi, Georgian Dream got 98.5% (131 votes) against Lelo’s 1.5% (2 votes). In Tsalka, Georgian Dream captured 96.7% (415 votes), Lelo 3.3% (14 votes). In Akhmeta, where Georgian Dream ran unopposed, its candidate received 115 votes. Total turnout across the four majoritarian districts stood at 1,136 voters, making up 51.6% of registered electors.