The political scientist predicted a difficult victory for the ruling party in the elections in Georgia

The upcoming local elections in Georgia will be a difficult test for the ruling party. This was stated by Shota Apkhaidze, a political scientist and expert at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, in an interview with Izvestia.

"There are a number of socio-economic issues on the agenda. This is both the influx of illegal migrants and the growth of drug trafficking. Promises to fight corruption and reduce unemployment are poorly fulfilled, and the emigration flow is also growing when residents of the country leave for the West. Finally, the personnel policy raises questions when some of Saakashvili's supporters are integrated into the current system of government," he explains.

The expert adds that, all other things being equal, the ruling team could have lost the current elections.

"Two factors play into the hands of the Georgian Dream. Firstly, they have an administrative resource. Secondly, voters associate the opposition with the Saakashvili regime, which many still hate. In the end, I think the ruling party will win, but with a minimal advantage, and it may lose in some municipalities," predicts Aphaidze.

Earlier on September 13, Levan Khabeishvili, the former chairman of the opposition United National Movement party, was detained in Georgia. He was charged with promising bribes and calling for the overthrow of the country's state system.

General local elections in Georgia will be held on October 4, on which day the mayors of 64 cities and deputies of municipal councils (sakrebulo) will be decided in the country.

Read more about the upcoming local elections in Georgia in the Izvestia article.