International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy ISFED

Monitoring of Post-Election Processes Staff Changes, Protest Rallies, Legal Proceedings in Local Self-Government Authorities

Second Report February 12, 2013 Tbilisi

Publishing this report was made possible through the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands to Georgia as well as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and with the financial support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The views expressed in the report belong solely to the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands to Georgia, NDI, USAID or United States Government

Contents I. Summary of the Situation II. Monitoring Methodology III. Key Findings of the Monitoring IV. Legal Base V. Detailed Account of the Monitoring 1. The Process of Changing Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis 1.1. Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis Resigning at Their Own Will 1.2. Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis Resigning Amid Protest Rallies 2. Rallies 2.1. Protest Rallies Staged in Municipalities with the Demand for Resignation of Municipal officials 2.2. Physical Clashes and Acts of Violence during Protest Rallies 3. Staff Changes in Self-Governments 4. Developments in Tbilisi Self-Government 5. Governors 6. Instances of Legal Proceedings VI. Conclusion

I. Summary of the Situation Although victory of the Georgian Dream coalition in the October 1, 2012 Parliamentary Elections should not have affected distribution of power in local self-governments, the process of replacing municipality officials ensued immediately after the elections were over. Former officials (Gamgebelis, Mayors, Sakrebulo Chairpersons) affiliated with the United National Movement were massively replaced by candidates of the Georgian Dream. Changes in the local self-governments mostly occurred in the midst of protest rallies. In particular, local population and mostly local supporters and activists of the Georgian Dream, started staging protest rallies demanding resignation of municipal officials. Regrettably, rallies often turned illegal by expression of physical violence, invasion of buildings, disruption of meetings and blocking offices of Gamgeoba. During the second reporting period, following mass replacement of municipal officials the focus was shifted to the lower levels. Newly appointed officials started the process of changes in Gamgeoba and Sakrebulo staff. Most of the dismissed employees state that they willingly submitted letters of resignation; however, there were also a number of cases where officials demanded employees write letters of resignation. The dismissals massively affected village trustees and specialists. Notably, in addition to local self-government agencies, changes in staff were also evident in police departments of all districts, as well as kindergartens and offices of Governors. The oppositional United National Movement party was actively trying to thwart these changes in selfgovernments by having MPs and Governors personally interfere. They accused the authorities of encouraging these processes and exerting illegal pressure on their representatives. 1 The parliamentary majority also expressed their position over the developments in self-government authorities. The Prime Minister voiced accusations against the UNM, declaring that the process of changing Sakrebulo officials, accompanied by disturbances, was mostly controlled by the UNM. 2 During the January 10 press-conference Vice Speaker of the Parliament Manana Kobakhidze stated that Gamgebelis have no right to mass dismissals of employees. According to her, appointments and dismissals based on political motive are unacceptable.3 International organizations have reacted with criticism to the developments. NATO Parliamentary Assembly in its Resolution on the Future of Democracy in the Eastern Neighborhood voiced a concern over acts of pressure against local self-government institutions in Georgia. 4 On January 28, 2013, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) published information note on Honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia.5 Two paragraphs in this document focus on the developments in local self-government agencies, saying that following the elections there were several reports of pressure being exerted on UNM elected local officials to either switch sides or to resign, some of which were the result of coercion, which is unacceptable in a democratic society. The co-rapporteurs also emphasize that even if the ruling majority did not centrally organize or sanction these activities, it did not do all it could resolutely to stop such lamentable practices. They urge the ruling majority to make unambiguous public statements to their supporters that any undue pressure on local officials belonging to the opposition will not be tolerated.
1

Statements of the president and the parliamentary minority are available at http://presa.ge/new/index.php?m=politics&AID=20011; http://www.iveroni.com.ge/politika/20521-qarthul-ocnebas-regionul-thvithmmarthvelobebze-zetsolashi-adanashauleben.html?lang=ka-GE 2 PMs statement is available at http://www.myvideo.ge/?act=dvr&chan=rustavi2&seekTime=02-02-2013%2018:11 3 Statement of the Vice Speaker is available at http://primetimenews.ge/?page=3&news_id=16766 4 NATO Parliamentary Assembly RESOLUTION 394 on THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD 12 November 2012, Prague, Czech Republic 5 Available at http://www.assembly.coe.int/CommitteeDocs/2013/amondoc04rev_2013.pdf

ISFED monitored post-election developments in all municipalities. Acts of illegal pressure against selfgovernments was condemned a number of times by ISFED 6, calling the malpractice be put to an end and alleged violations be investigated and prosecuted. ISFEDs first report of monitoring the developments in self-governments was published by on December 21, 2012. 7

II. Monitoring Methodology ISFED is monitoring the post-election developments in local self-governments in all 69 municipalities. It mostly draws on its own regional and district coordinators dislocated throughout every municipality as sources of information. Additionally, ISFED also draws on media reports of ongoing developments, verified by its own representatives at the local level. We have mostly used reports released by the following media outlets: InterPressNews, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Information Center, Info 9, Kakheti Information Center, SMO.ge information portal, Shida Kartli Information Center, Kvemo Kartli Information portal, presa.ge, Guria News, tspress.ge internet publication, Front News Agency, Iveroni News Agency. This report offers a thematic overview the developments in municipalities.

III. Key Findings of the Monitoring Following the October 1, 2012 elections to present, total of 46 Gamgebelis have resigned, including 44 at their own free will and two at the will of Sakrebulo. During the very same period, 24 Chairpersons of Sakrebulo resigned, including 20 at their own will and four based on the decision of Sakrebulo. By December 21, 2012 (when the first monitoring report was published) total of 31 Gamgebelis and 16 Chairpersons of Sakrebulo had resigned, showing that the process of replacement of Gamgebelis and Sakrebulo Chairpersons continued intensely throughout Georgia. During the second reporting period, similar to the previous one, resignations of officials were generally preceded by protest rallies staged by the local population and activists of the Georgian Dream, demanding appointments of candidates that they favored. Such rallies were staged in 28 municipalities starting from October 1 to present, including 24 rallies where protest turned illegal by expression of physical violence, invasion of buildings, disruption of meetings and blocking buildings. As noted earlier, most Gamgebelis and Sakrebulo Chairpersons that resigned submitted letters of resignation for personal reasons. As to their replacements, some were selected following a competition while some were appointed temporarily before announcement of a competition. Mostly, the newly appointed officials are local members or supporters of the Georgian Dream. In some cases, majoritarian MPs openly interfered in changes in municipal staff. Number of cases of Sakrebulo members leaving the United National Movement faction increased. The former ruling party lost majority in a number of Sakrebulos, automatically resulting in replacement of Chairperson and Gamgebeli. Notably, in frequent cases in Sakrebulos where the UNM had majority, Sakrebulo elected a candidate of the Georgian Dream to the office of Gamgebeli. After replacement of Gamgebelis in 21 municipalities 8 , massive staff changes ensued. Structural reorganization and expiration of contracts or excessive number of employees were frequently cited as
6 7 8

ISFEDs statements are available at http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-11-16.pdf; http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-11-28.pdf ISFEDs report is available at http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-12-21%28rep%29.pdf In municipalities of Telavi, Akhmeta, Dedoplistskaro, Sachkhere, Kaspi, Kareli and Zestaponi

reasons. Notably, staff changes mostly affected offices of Gamgeoba-Sakrebulo. All representatives of territorial units were replaced in Kaspi, Dedoplistskaro, Sachkhere, Akhmeta, Mtskheta, Tianeti, Khobi, Khashuri, etc. Staff changes also reported in Adjara A/R. Staff changes were often preceded by holding a meeting in Gamgeoba or summoning of Trustees by Gamgebeli. Notably, most employees dismissed from work are reluctant to publicly discuss reasons for the dismissal or say that it had to do with their personal reasons, whereas in private conversations they confirm that they had been forced into leaving work. In Gamgeobas they maintain that employees willingly submit letters of resignation and often indicate that Gamgeoba plans to announce a competition for recruitment of employees and hence the dismissals. During the reporting period investigating authorities looked into the activities of local self-governments. There have been several criminal proceedings instituted and officials questioned. Financial police inspected several municipalities. The report focuses on 13 cases where law enforcement authorities looked into the work of municipal officials and public servants. Probes were mostly launched into alleged abuse of budget resources and official power. Following the October 1 parliamentary elections, the president appointed new Governors in six regions who got involved in the developments in municipal agencies more actively, started meeting with dismissed employees, holding special briefings and expressing protest over the developments.

IV. Legal Base Article 2 of the Constitution of Georgia stipulates that citizens of Georgia regulate issues of local importance by means of local self-governments. 9 Under the Organic Law of Georgia on Local Self Government, Sakrebulo is a representative body of a self-government unit, whereas realization of decisions of Sakrebulo is ensured by Gamgeoba (and City Hall in the following five self-governing cities of Rustavi, Poti, Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi). 10 Chairperson of Sakrebulo is head of a self-governing unit and Sakrebulo. Chairperson of Sakrebulo and his/her deputy (in cases of self-governing cities two deputies) as well as chairpersons of commissions and factions are elected by Sakrebulo from its members for the Sakrebulo term of office. Any member of Sakrebulo is entitled to nominate a candidate for the position of Sakrebulo Chairperson. Sakrebulo may remove the Chairman. No less than 1/3 of the total number of the Sakrebulo members may raise the issue of the removal of the Chairman in written. The Chairman will be considered removed if more than half of the Sakrebulo listed members vote for his/her removal. Gamgeoba (City Hall) enforces decisions of Sakrebulo. Gamgebeli (Mayor) manages the work of of Gamgeoba (City Hall). Gamgebeli (Mayor) is a public servant of a local self-government. 11 Gamgebeli of Municipality and a City Mayor (except Tbilisi Mayor) 12 are appointed by the Chairperson and approved by Sakrebulo. Sakrebulo approves appointee by supporting him/her with more than half the votes of Sakrebulo listed members.
Citizens of Georgia registered with a self-government unit regulate issues of local importance without breaching state sovereignty, as prescribed by the Georgia legislation. State authorities should promote the development of local self-government. Article 19 of the Law of Georgia on Local Self-Government; 11 A citizen of Georgia who has already attained 18 years of age, has higher education and is fluent in the state language may serve as a municipal public officer; 12 Tbilisi Mayor is elected directly by citizens of Georgia registered in Tbilisi;
10 9

Sakrebulo Chairperson has the right to dismiss Gamgebeli (Mayor), with Sakrebulos approval if his/her work was deemed as inadequate by Sakrebulo or when conditions envisaged by Chapter 10 of the Law on Public Service are evident. Head of a territorial unit a representative or head of a structural unit - are appointed and dismissed by Gamgebeli (Mayor). They have to go through a competition for appointment.

V. Detailed Account of the Monitoring The present report contains reports of dismissals of 17 Gamgebelis and 9 Sakrebulo Chairpersons during the reporting period from December 21, 2012 to February 12, 2013. 9 Gamgebelis and 6 Sakrebulo Chairpersons submitted letters of resignation voluntarily, while resignation of 7 Gamgebelis and 1 Sakrebulo Chairperson was preceded by protest rallies. In Mestia both officials were dismissed; same is true for Batumi Sakrebulo Chairperson. Protest rallies were staged in 13 municipalities, demanding resignation of officials. In seven cases rallies turned illegal by expression of physical violence, blocking offices of Gamgeoba and invading buildings.

1. The Process of Changing Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis 1.1. Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis Resigning at Their Own Will Khulo on August 29, during an extraordinary meeting of Khulo Municipality Sakrebulo, Sakrebulo members approved a letter of resignation of Municipality Gamgebeli Temur Bolkvadze. Temur Bolkvadze resigned to run in the elections. Deputy Gamgebeli refused to take over the functions and instead, Deputy Chairperson of Sakrebulo Davit Chelidze was appointed as acting Gamgebeli. The UNM had 19 members in Sakrebulo. Following the elections two Members of Sakrebulo left the faction. Mtskheta staff changes occurred in Mtskheta Municipality following the parliamentary elections. On October 24, Ilia Iordanishvili was elected to the office of Chairperson of Mtskheta Municipality Sakrebulo. He was the chairperson of faction Majoritarians and represents the UNM in Sakrebulo. On November 5, 2012, new Gamgebeli was appointed in Mtskheta Municipality. There was only one candidate for the position member of the Georgian Dream, Givi Utiashvili. At the meeting of Sakrebulo, majority of members voted for him. Former Gamgebeli and Sakrebulo Chairperson resigned at their own will. Tianeti at the November 13, 2013 meeting of Sakrebulo, Malkhaz Davitashvili was appointed to the position of Tianeti Municipality Gamgebeli. Davitashvili was the head of the Georgian Dream office in Tianeti during parliamentary elections. Tianeti Municipality Sakrebulo was accepting applications for a vacant position of Gamgebeli from October 15 to November 6. Out of the 79 candidates for the position, only Malkhaz Davitashvili appeared for an interview with the commission. The position of Municipality Gamgebeli became vacant in August 2012, when former Gamgebeli Giorgi Abashvili resigned willingly to run in the October 1, 2012 parliamentary elections. Kvareli Gamgebeli of Kvareli Municipality Besik Zandarashvili (member of the UNM) submitted a letter of resignation on December 6.

On December 13, former candidate for the position of majoritarian MP (Kvareli, Georgian Dream) and the president of Judo Association Davit Kevkhishvili was appointed as Acting Gamgebeli. According to Sakrebulo Chairperson Zaza Lomidze, the bureau nominated only two candidates for the vacant position. The second candidate was Davit Tolchashvili. All twenty members of Sakrebulo supported Kevkhishvilis candidacy. According to Lomidze, there will be a competition announced for the position of Gamgebeli. Gori on December 21, at an extraordinary meeting of Sakrebulo, members elected a new Chairperson, Davit Razmadze (Republican Party). His predecessor Zurab Khmaladze had resigned willingly, citing the existing political situation as the reason. The new chairperson received votes of 23 members of Sakrebulo out of 31. Sakrebulo Members also voted for abolishment of two factions Opposition and Majoritarians, and registration of factions Majority, Union, Mamulishvilni. Zviad Khmaladze was appointed as chairperson of the faction UNM. In Sakrebulo composed of 31 members, only Zviad Khmaladze, Koba Tlashadze and Mikheil Tsertsvadze remained in the faction of the former ruling party. Gardabani On December 25, Chairperson of Sakrebulo submitted a voluntary letter of resignation. Members of Sakrebulo voted for Zaza Oniani as the new chairperson on December 26. He had been working at Gardabani Gamgeoba at various positions since 2006, the most recent being the position of faction chairperson (Georgian Dream). The newly elected chairperson declared that he would announce a competition to hire new employees. Poti on December 27 Sakrebulo announced a competition for the vacant position of Poti Mayor. The competition board was chaired by Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Babilua. The position had been vacant from August 7 when incumbent Vakhtang Lemonjava resigned to run in the parliamentary elections. Out of the 44 applications initially submitted for the vacant position, the board found that 40 were incomplete and shortlisted three candidates from the Georgian Dream Zurab Dondoladze, Davit Sarsania, Besik Jojua and an independent candidate Badri Davitaia. On January 11, the only candidate nominated by the board, Davit Sarsania, was supported by absolute majority of Sakrebulo Members, including members of the faction UNM. Davit Sarsania joined the coalition Georgian Dream from the National Forum. After his appointment he declared that he was going to make changes in staff and announce a competition for all vacant positions. Shuakhevi on January 8, Gamgebeli of Shuakhevi Nugzar Amaghlobeli submitted an application for resignation. Former Gamgebeli never discussed reasons for resignation in public. During a meeting of Sakrebulo on January 10, new Gamgebeli was elected. There was a single application submitted for the vacant position. All 19 members of Sakrebulo voted for Tamaz Davitadze (faction Our Shuakhevi). Davitadze was heading the steering group of the Georgian Dreams offie during the elections. According to Sakrebulo Chairperson Iuri Katamadze, approval of the new Gamgebeli was expedited by bad weather as the population of highlands needed assistance in time. In Sakrebulo composed of 19 members, the UNM is maintaining majority by 11. According to Sakrebulo Chairperson, following the parliamentary elections five members left the faction for the Georgian Dream. Nevertheless, the balance is maintained and I am not going to resign he stated. Dusheti On January 8, Gamgebeli of Dusheti Municipality Besik Shaghashvili resigned. I did what was necessary. No one forced me into this. I am staying home so far, I am unemployed he stated. Rezo Karmazanashvili, activist of the Georgian Dream was appointed as Acting Gamgebeli. He served as Deputy Gamgebeli of Dusheti Municipality. According to the Chairperson of Dusheti Sakrebulo,

Gamgebeli and employees of Gamgeoba will be selected on the basis of a competition and in full compliance of applicable legal provisions. Competition for the vacant position of Gamgebeli was announced on February 4 and application will be accepted until February 18. Tkibuli on January 12, Gamgebeli Levan Dokhnadze and Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Katamadze submitted letters of resignation. On January 15 Sakrebulo approved the letters. Both officials resigned willingly. During the very same meeting, Temur Chubinidze was appointed as Acting Gamgebeli by Sakrebulo. He is not affiliated with any of the parties and used to serve as chief of Tkibuli police. All seventeen members attending the meeting voted for his candidacy. Goderdzi Tsintsadze was elected as the new Sakrebulo Chairperson. He is not affiliated with any party either. His candidacy received support of 16 out of the seventeen members present at the meeting. Tsalenjikha on January 12, a competition board set up at Tsalenjikha Municipality Sakrebulo selected and nominated Goga Gulordava for the position of Gamgebeli. Gulordava is considered to be enjoy the support of the Minister of Defense, Irakli Alasania and used to be the member of party Free Democrats. He himself states that he is not a member of any of the parties. On January 16, Tsalenjikha Municipality Sakrebulo discussed appointment of Goga Gulordava and member of Sakrebulo supported him with absolute majority of votes. Bolnisi Bolnisi Gamgebeli Giorgi Daushvili and Sakrebulo Chairperson Nodar Sabiashvili and Sakrebulo Chairperson Nodar Sabiashvili decided to resign due to the developments following October 1. On January 16, Malkhaz Eradzes candidacy was supported by Sakrebulo with 21 votes out of 22. Levan Palavandishvili was appointed as Municipality Gamgebeli. According to the new Gamgebeli, certain changes will be made in Gamgeoba staff; however, some specialists and managers will maintain their jobs. Kazbegi election of Sakrebulo Chairperson of Kazbegi District were held on January 24. Two members of Sakrebulo Archil Sujashvili and Zaza Alibegashvili had nominated themselves for the vacnant postion. Zaza Alibegashvili received absolute majorit of votes 12 out of 16 members present at the meeting voted for him. Gamgebeli in Kazbegi was replaced in December 2012, detailed account of which is contained in ISFEDs previous report. 13

1.2. Sakrebulo Chairpersons and Gamgebelis Resigning Amid Protest Rallies Mestia on November 9, 12 out of 23 members of Sakrebulo, including 3 members from the UNM filed a motion of no confidence against Sakrebulo Chairperson and called for convening an extraordinary meeting. On November 15 Sakrebulo Chairperson of Mestia District was dismissed by majority of votes. The dismissal was also supported by representatives of the UNM. Former chairperson was particularly irritated by the decision of the UNM members, Avto Chkadua and Romanoz Rezesidze. With majority of votes, Sakrebulo members supported Gocha Khorguani for the position of chairperson. On November 21, at an extraordinary meeting of Sakrebulo, official authority of Sakrebulo Chairperson Lomar Nigurian and Mestia Municipality Gamgebeli Ilia Japaridze was suspended. Kapiton Zhorzholiani was elected as Acting Gamgebeli. During the meeting Sakrebulo members also elected committee chairpersons.

13

ISFEDs report is available at http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-12-21(rep).pdf , p.17

Zugdidi former Gamgebeli Aleksandre Kobalia filed a letter of resignation on December 1814, saying that he was forced into resignation by the Georgian Dream. However, he did not specify the type of pressure exerted by the new authorities. Protest rallies demanding resignation of Gamgebeli were held on a permanent basis throughout December. On December 21, Deputy Gamgebeli Darejan Gabedava resigned willingly. She was replaced by head of the Georgian Dreams office in Zugdidi, Edisher Toloraia. On December 24, the head of the Georgian Dreams office in Zugdidi, Edisher Toloraia was appointed as Acting Gamgebeli of Zugdidi Municipality by Levan Konjaria, Sakrebulo Chairperson. He stated that the decision to appoint a representative of the Georgian Dream contributed to the process of cohabitation in Georgia. Lagodekhi on December 21, a meeting of the competition (certification) board was held in Municipality Sakrebulo for selecting one candidate out of seven for the position of Gamgebeli. The meeting was invaded by up to 40 activists of the Georgina Dream, demanding appointment of Kote Kapanadze. During the meeting, activists of the Georgian Dream invaded offices of Sakrebulo five times. During the incident Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Bakashvili suddenly felt sick and they had to call an ambulance. Police officers tried to de-escalate the situation but in vain. Activists of the Georgian Dream did not obey to police instructions and did not leave the building of Sakrebulo on time. Despite the incident, the board nominated Valeri Alibegashvili (Georgian Dream) for the vacant position of Gamgebeli. There were total of 126 applications registered for the opening. Valerian Alibegashvili was elected to the office of Gamgebeli on December 27 at Sakrebulo meeting. The meeting was attended by 18 out of 24 members of Sakrebulo, all of which voted for the candidate. However, the election was accompanied by certain commotion. Activists of the Georgian Dream declared no-confidence to the competition board and did not allow Sakrebulo Chairperson to enter the conference hall for two hours. They alleged that Valeri Alibegashvili was pretending to be a supporter of the Georgian Dream, while in reality he has made a deal with the UNM. They had to call the police to de-escalate the situation. Election of Gamgebeli was held secretly, in one of the offices, which further aggravated the protest of the activists. They invaded the office, demanding annulment of the decision. The confrontation continued outside. Supporters of Kote Kapanadze exposed the newly-elected Alibegashvili in having family ties with Luka Kurtanidze and tore Luka Kurtanidzes poster apart outside the building of Sakrebulo to express their protest. Dmanisi on December 24, Dmanisi Gamgebeli Tengiz Mirotadze submitted a letter of resignation. The following day, Sakrebulo approved with 20 votes Gogi Barbakadze, head of the Georgian Dreams office in Dmanisi to the position of Gamgebeli. Former Gamgebeli did not explain the reason behind his resignation. According to members of Sakrebulo, Mirotadze decided to resign voluntarily and he had not been pressured whatsoever to do so. Changes in Dmanisi municipality where made after some members of Sakrebulo left the faction UNM and established a new faction Without a Party. The new faction had Sakrebulo Chairperson Bakur Mgeladze resign and elected new chairperson, Nodar Aduashvili. Changes in Sakrebulo were followed by replacement of Gamgebeli. In December activists and supporters of the Georgian Dream staged protest rallies, demanding appointment of representatives of the Georgian Dream to the positions of Sakrebulo Chairperson and Gamgebeli. Dmanisi Municipality is now completely controlled by the Georgian Dream.

14

See ISFEDs report available at http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-12-21(rep).pdf p.17

Khelvachauri on December 24, activists of the Georgian Dream staged a protest rally, calling for the Gamgebeli to resign. Later up to 30 participants met with Gamgebeli Guram Saparidze. The activists gave him an ultimatum to resign. Saparidze declared that he was not going to. Activists threatened to continue staging protest rallies and to invade the building. Khelvachauri Gamgeoba decided to discuss the issue at an extraordinary meeting. On December 28, Khelvachauri Municipality Gamgebeli applied to Sakrebulo Chairperson with a request for resignation. The new Gamgebeli was elected on December 31 at a meeting of Sakrebulo where 17 members were present. All of them voted for Levan Lortkipanidze who used to be the head of the Georgian Dreams office during the parliamentary elections. Total of two candidates had submitted their applications for the opening Levan Lortkipanidze and Iasha Gvianidze. The latter did not attend the meeting and consequently, Sakrebulo did not consider his candidacy. Several members of Sakrebulo left the faction UNM; however, the UNM still maintains majority with 13 members. Abasha protest rallies demanding replacement of municipal authorities and inspection of financial documents of Gamgeoba and Sakrebulo were launched in late December in Abasha. On December 21, a competition (certification) board for selection of candidates for the position of Gamgebeli was set up at a meeting of Abasha Municipality. Davit Kacharava, Deputy Chairperson of Sakrebulo was appointed as the board chairperson. On December 22, population of Abasha staged a protest rally outside the building of Sakrebulo, protesting against members of the competition (certification) commission and demanding their replacement. Participants stated that the commission was manned by members of the UNM, hindering making of fair decisions. Rallies continued during following days. On January 4, activists of the Georgian Dream paralyzed the building of Abasha Municipality and demanded nomination of candidate that they favored, Irakli Rukhadze, for the position of Gamgebeli. They protested against the candidacy of Gocha Chanturia, selected by the board, who was not affiliated with any of the parties. Representatives of Sakrebulo condemn such form of expressing a protest and deem it as a pressure exerted against the self-government. On January 8, rally participants tried to break into the building demanding resignation of municipal officials and started a hunger strike. On January 9 Sakrebulo approved the candidacy of Gocha Chanturia for the position of Gamgebeli, which resulted in commotion and protest rallies. Following the meeting, Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Topuria stated that he would pursue the course of the new government; however, according to the population that had assembled outside Sakrebulo, Gocha Chanturia was never involved in the elections or was a member of the Georgian Dream, and therefore, it was peculiar that he was appointed to this position. The population of Abasha protested over the appointment of Gocha Chanturia as Gamgebeli in the following days. On January 11 a rally in support of the new Gamgebeli Gocha Chanturia was held outside the office of Municipality Gamgeoba. There was a simultaneous hunger strike in the entrance of Sakrebulo building protesting appointment of Gamgebeli. Eventually, rallies and hunger strike in Abasha demanding resignation of municipal officials were terminated on January 18 and Sakrebulo continued its usual work. Marneuli on January 10, Paata Abramishvili was appointed as Acting Governor of MArneuli Municipality. Sakrebulo approved his candidacy with majority of votes. Abramishvili used to work in MIAs Special Forces of Marneuli. Later he started working at Cartu Bank and Elita Burji. Abramishvili

was the head of the Georgian Dreams mobile group in Marneuli during elections. He was nominated by the local office of the Georgian Dream for the position of Gamgebeli. According to Marneuli Deputy Gamgebeli Tamaz Enukidze, there will be a competition announced for hiring specialists and contractors. As to the management, they will be directly appointed by Gamgebeli. As ISFED has noted in its previous report, protest rallies demanding resignation of Gamgebeli were staged in Marneuli in December. Former Gamgebeli Zaza Dekanoidze stated that he would resign only if the office of the Georgian Dream in Marneuli agreed on a single candidate.15 Lentekhi on January 13, Lentekhi competition-certification board chose the following three candidates out of the 76 applicants for the vacant position of Gamgebeli Zaza Liparteliani, Murman Nemsadze and Manana Tvildiani. Under the law on self-government, the board should nominate a single candidate before Sakrebulo. Chairperson of Lentekhi Municipality Sakrebulo Valodia Kurasbediani explained that by considering all three candidates Sakrebulo would avoid a conflict between the candidates and their supporters. On January 21, in Lentekhi, local population protested over the work of the competition board and the nomination of three candidates for the vacant position. On January 30 Lentekhi Municipality Sakrebulo did not vote for the candidacy of Zaza Liparteliani (Georgian Dream). The voting was secret. Out of the thirteen members of Sakrebulo three voted for and nine voted against, while one was absent. This upset supporters of Zaza Liparteliani and activists of the Georgian Dream. Some of the rally participants invaded the building and demanded annulment of results. They accused Lentekhi majoritarian MP Gogi Liparteliani (UNM) of blocking Zaza Lipartelianis candidacy. Lentekhi Municipality Sakrebulo assembled on February 2. Supporters of the Georgian Dreams candidate for the position of Gamgebeli, Zaza Liparteliani, started assembling outside the building at 9am. The meeting was attended by ten members of Sakrebulo and all of them voted for Zaza Liparteliani. Lanchkhuti there were 106 applications submitted for the vacancy of Gamgebeli. Members of the competition (certification) board considered the applications on December 22 and chose the following 5 candidates: Zaza Urushadze, Apolon Tsilosani, Irina Pirtskhalava and Merab Sergoshvili. On January 8, supporters of the coalition Georgian Dream and part of Lanchkhuti population blocked the administrative building and were not letting employees inside the building. They declared no confidence to members of the board. According to organizer of the rally, Gia Pirtskhalaishvili, the board was left by several members and currently it is manned by members of the UNM. They will choose the candidate that they favor. One of the rally participants stated that the board was favoring a single candidate Zaza Urushadze, member of the UNM. On January 9 building of Lanckhuti Gamgeoba was unblocked. The board was dissolved as five more members left it. Rally participants unblocked the building and let Sakrebulo Chairperson and Acting Gamgebeli inside. On January 22 Chairperson of Lanchkhuti Municipality Sakrebulo Revaz Chitadze resigned, saying that the resignation was voluntary and he remains to be a member of Sakrebulo. On January 29, Amiran Gigineishvili (UNM) was elected as Sakrebulo Chairperson of Lanckhuti Municipality with majority of votes. Zaza Urushadze, supporter of the coalition Georgian Dream was elected as Gamgebeli the same day. Urushadze was the only candidate for the opening. His candidacy was supported by all 23 members of Sakrebulo present at the meeting.
15

ISFED report is available at http://isfed.ge/pdf/2012-12-21(rep).pdf, p.5

Batumi on January 25, the following three members left the faction UNM in Batumi Sakrebulo: Giorgi Gabaidze, Besik Chokhinelidze and Tamaz Gorgiladze. They applied to Batumi Sakrebulo Chairperson with an application saying that they are leaving the faction UNM but will stay as independent members of Sakrebulo. There were 18 members from the UNM in Batumi Sakrebulo. Following the 2012 parliamentary elections, the faction was left by nine members. They remain to be independent members of Sakrebulo. On January 25, 12 members of Sakrebulo motioned for resignation of Sakrebulo Chairperson Giorgi Kirtadze. On January 31, Irakli Chavleishvili (Republican), chairperson of the faction For Batumi was elected as Batumi Sakrebulo Chairperson. The meeting was attended by 15 members out of 23 all of whom voted for the candidate. The meeting was not attended by representatives of the faction UNM, as they believed that it had been scheduled in violation of law. Former Chairperson Giorgi Kirtadze who was forced to resign is planning to file in court.

2. Rallies 2.1. Protest rallies staged in municipalities with the demand for resignation of municipal officials Keda on December 25, a protest rally demanding resignation of Gamgebeli Vazha Bolkvadze was held outside the building of Keda Gamgeoba. Hundreds of people assembled downtown, and later moved to the building of Gamgeoba. Participants also demanded resignation of village trustees. They set the deadline until January 1 for resignation of Gamgebeli. They also demanded that he did not extend contracts for any of the employees of budget department. The rally had up to 200 participants. Police was mobilized nearby. Gamgebeli met with the participants, heard their demands but stated that he was not going to resign. Participants declared their support to Jambul Sharabidze as a candidate for the position of Gamgebeli. The rally in Keda has been stopped. The UNM still has the majority in Keda Sakrebulo. There are 13 members of Sakrebulo in the faction, and six in the rest of the factions. Tsalka for the last two months there have been rallies staged in Tsalka to support several different candidates for the position of Gamgebeli. The position became vacant after Mikheil Tskitishvili resigned on December 6 as demanded by activists of the Georgian Dream. On December 27, a protest rally of activists of the Georgian Dream was held outside Gamgeoba Municipality on December 27. They were demanding appointment of Emzar Gelovani (Georgian Dream) as Gamgebeli. According to the rally organizers, at Sakrebulo meeting they were planning to elect coordinator of the UNM Besik Lachoshvili to the position of Gamgebeli, while Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Machitidze maintained that election of Gamgebeli was not on the meeting agenda. On January 22, activists of the Georgian Dream held yet another protest rally outside the Municipality Gamgeoba, protesting over the candidacy of Jondi Sabadze for the position of Gamgebeli and demanding appointment of one of the Georgian Dreams activists Iuri Modebadze. They also declared no confidence to Tsalka majoritarian MP. On January 25, activists of the Georgian Dream assembled again outside the building of Tsalka Municipality Gamgeoba. They were protesting over possible appointment of Joni Sabadze to the vacant

position of Gamgebeli, saying that he was former chief of security service and a representative of the UNM. Another rally voicing similar demands was held on January 29. Convinced in lack of attention from municipal authorities, they decided to continue their rally in Tbilisi, outside offices of the Government Chancellery. Sakrebulo Chairperson explained that participants did not meet with Sakrebulo administration or voice their demands. Machitidze also explained that they were going to hold an extraordinary meeting that week to consider appointment of Joni Sabadze as Acting Gamgebeli.

Gardabani on December 27, the protesters assembled outside Gamgeoba offices for a warning rally. They were protesting election of Sakrebulo Chairperson in a hasty manner and expressing their disapproval of the method. They were also demanding replacement of municipal authorities by representatives of the Georgian Dream and lobbied for the appointment of Gela Khutsishvili to the position of Gamgebeli. Gamgebeli himself, Zviad Epitashvili stated that he was not going to resign at his own will. On January 4, protesters staged a rally demanding resignation of Gamgebeli. They declared no confidence to Gardabani Gamgebeli and demanded his replacement with Tamaz Chelidze. Kaspi on January 15, several women went on a hunger strike demanding resignation of Gamgebeli. Former teammates confronted Ileg Iadze for his HR policy. Member of the Georgian Dream Marekh Kambegashvili declared that Iadze was lobbying members of the UNM, and was particularly rude with his teammates and when dealing with public. Gamgebeli rejected the allegations as being an absurd. On January 16, law enforcement authorities forced hunger strikers to leave the building of Gamgeoba. The protest rally had started a day before, in the office of majoritarian bureau of Kaspi. Hunger strikers relocated to the hall of Kaspi Municipality building. According to the protesters, they were dispersed by law enforcers in the morning and forced to leave the building. Nevertheless, they declared that they would continue the strike until their only demand about resignation of Oleg Iadze from his position of Gamgebeli was met. On January 18, protesters in the bureau of Davit Onoprishvili, majoritarian MP of Kaspi stopped their hunger strike. With regard to the two-week long confrontation and hunger strike in Kaspi, Oleg Iadze explained that it had all been orchestrated by Irakli Alasanias relative Giorgi Bestavashvili who had been fined three times for illegal use of drugs. Giorgi Bestavishvili filed in court against Iadze over the allegations. On January 22, a closed meeting was held between MP Davit Onoprishvili and the hunger strikers protesting against Oleg Iadze. At the meeting parties could not reach an agreement. Davit Onoprishvili declared that it was not his or the parliaments prerogative to appoint or discharge Gamgebeli of Kaspi Municipality. The hunger strikers were upset with the response. On January 23, Sakrebulo held a meeting attended by the local population and activists of the Georgian Dream. The meeting was rather noisy. Part of the population demanded resignation of Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Mesropashvili (UNM), and sought to discuss several problems at the meeting. According to the ISFEDs coordinator, the population had not yet expressed their position when members of Sakrebulo stood up and the meeting was declared finished. This irritated the population. Some invaded the office of Sakrebulo Chairperson. A dweller of the village Doesi accused Mesropashvili of exerting pressure, while a dweller of the village Aghaiani and an activist of the Georgian Dream Vakhtang Papashvili blamed him for the lack of drinking water in the village. Member of Sakrebulo representing Aghaiani tried to force him out of the office, a clash ensued and a fight broke out. As a result, Sakrebulo

Chairperson suffered bodily injury. Deputy Chief of Police Nikoloz Otarov, criminal proceedings has been instituted in beating of Sakrebulo Chairperson Davit Mesropashvili and a probe is ongoing. Aspindza On January 16, some locals and activist staged a rally demanding that Gamgebeli resign. They sought appointment of Girogi Zedginidze, member of the coalition, instead. According to Zedginidze, he agreed to the offer of the Georgian Dream and introduced his election program to supporters. Besik Bekauri has been serving as Apsindza Gamgebeli since December 15, 2010. He is not going to submit a letter of resignation but rather, is continuing his usual work. According to Sakrebulo Chairperson Aleksandre Melikidze, Sakrebulo is currently is not considering replacement of Gamgebeli. According to representatives of the Georgian Dream, rumor has it that the UNMs candidate is seeking the office of Gamgebeli. Therefore, they are assembling outside Gamgeoba every day, declaring that they are observing the developments from the outside and as soon as Gamgebeli resigns, they are going to nominate their own candidate. On January 23 another small-scale protest rally was held in Aspindza, where participants nominated another candidate for the position of Gamgebeli, this time Levan Tsabadze, former captain of Georgias national rugby team. Terjola on January 18, a protest rally demanding replacement of municipal authorities was held in Terjola. Participants stated that there were no improvements whatsoever in Terjola for twenty years. The rally was organized by former Deputy Chairperson of Sakrebulo Mevlud Bregvadze, who was dismissed prior to the elections. Gamgebeli did not comment about the rally, while according to Sakrebulo Chairperson Tariel Pachulia, part of the public may have certain wishes but it is not up to them to decide whether he stays or leaves his office. Sagarejo - on January 21, activists of the Georgian Dream demanded resignation of a newly appointed Gamgebeli Giorgi Loladze (Georgian Dream). Gamgebeli met with the rally participants but they only exchanged accusations and the meeting did not yield any results. Loladze was accused of nepotism. They were asking about the reason why he did not dismiss trustees of Kashmi and Mzisguli together with other trustees. Gamgebeli explained that they had not committed any violations and therefore, they were able to maintain their offices. You are manipulated by Tina Khidasheli. You are unable to make your own decisions. Staff changes were clearly affected by nepotism participants told Loladze. Giorgi Loladze, whose candidacy was supported by the Georgian Dream, was appointed last year. He replaced staff in the office of Gamgeoba as well as all village trustees, except for Khashmi and Mzisguli. Kutaisi on January 30, outside the building of Kutaisi City Hall, supporters of the Georgian Dream staged a corridor of shame while Sakrebulos meeting was ongoing. Participants were calling for resignation of Sakrebulo Chairperson and the Mayor, accusing the UNM of fraud and abuse of budgetary funds. They decided to stage a corridor of shame after they learned that in January Sakrebulo Chairperson Amiran Khvadagiani transferred GEL 7,000 to his account as a salary bonus.

2.2. Physical Clashes and Acts of Violence during Protest Rallies Adigeni recently there has been a confrontation between supporters of the Georgian Dream, as over favoring different candidates for the position of Gamgebeli. On December 24, some supporters of the Georgian Dream invaded Gamgeoba, calling for resignation of Gamgebeli. Instead, they demanded appointment of Levan Lobzhanidze, the candidate that they favored, and protested against another candidate nominated by the coalition, Ina Kapanadze. Adigeni Gamgebeli declared that he was not going to resign as he had been elected legally.

There were certain staff changes in Adigeni Municipality Sakrebulo, where a new faction United We Stand was established, under theinitiative of Sakrebulo Member Davit Oganezian. We are not going to be partial. We decided to establish a new faction to improve transparency. The idea was also supported by other members of Sakrebulo explained Faction Chairperson Davit Oganezian. All three members of the faction were representatives of the UNM. Ioseb Gavashelashvili and Givi Gikoshvili had been elected through majoritarian list, Davit Ogneziani through proportional. Martvili on December 26, local population blocked the building of Martvili Municipality and did not let Sakrebulo Chairperson and Gamgebeli inside. They were demanding resignation of these two officials, saying that they had been running Martvili illegally throughout the years. On December 29, a protest rally outside Sakrebulo grew into a confrontation. The local population was irritated by appearance of UNMs representatives at the rally. They demanded letting the Chairperson and Gamgebeli inside the building. Participants decided to stop rallying after negotiations with MP Koba Davitashvili (parliamentary majority) that lasted several hours on December 30. Protest rallies demanding resignation of Gamgebeli and Sakrebulo Chairperson started on November 20 in Martvili Municipality. Abasha on January 4, activists of the Georgian Dream paralyzed the municipality building, demanding nomination of their candidate Irakli Rukhadze for the position of Gamgebeli. They protested against an independent candidate selected by the board, Gocha Chanturia. Representatives of Sakrebulo condemned the protest and deemed it to be a pressure exerted against the self-government. On January 8, rally participants tried to break into the building, demanding resignation of the local authorities. They went on a hunger strike. Rallies eventually stopped on January 18. Lanchkhuti on January 8 supporters of the coalition Georgian Dream and some locals blocked the building of administrative municipality and did not let employees inside. They declared no confidence to members of the competition (certification) board. On January 9 building of Lanckhuti Gamgeoba was unblocked. The board was dissolved as five more members left it. Rally participants unblocked the building and let Sakrebulo Chairperson and Acting Gamgebeli inside. Tetritskaro on January 11 supporters of the Georgian Dream and some of the local population blocked the building of Gamgeoba, followed by a clash between the police and protesters. Some of the employees were able to get inside only after the police interfered. Protesters demanded resignation of Gamgebeli and Sakrebulo Chairperson and appointment of the Georgian Dreams representatives instead. The rally grew into a physical confrontation. The clash between law enforcers and supporters of the Georgian Dream ensued after the police tried to de-escalate the situation. Several persons suffered slight injuries. Exterior of the building was damaged and windows were smashed. On January 12 it was announced that the Interior Ministry had launched a probe into the incident. The Minister himself made a statement. According to Irakli Garibashvili certain groups were trying to interfere with the work of Sakrebulo and that it was the responsibility of the Interior Ministry to observe order. Ozurgeti on January 16 there was an armed confrontation between representatives of the Georgian Dream in Ozurgeti. According to the reports, there was a physical clash between Acting Gamgebeli Kote Sharashenidze and member of the local office of the Georgian Dream, Nestor Ramishvili. The incident occurred late at night when Kote Sharashenidze was visiting Nestor Ramishvili at home. Verbal confrontation grew into a fight, where Sharashenidze hit Ramishvili with a butt of a firearm and fired several times.

MIA launched insvesitgation under Article 118 of the Criminal Code. Both parties to the conflict were summoned for questining. Acting Gamgebeli rejected allegations but the fact was confirmed by oppositional members of Ozurgeti Sakrebulo. Kutaisi on February 1, in Kutaisi City Hall, Deputy Mayor Amiran Dzotsenidze verbally abused head of the administrative department of Kutaisi City Hall Tengiz Topuridze in the office of Sakrebulo Chairperson. One of the member sof Sakrebulo, Mamuka Mghvdelidze informed journalists of the incident. According to him, Tengiz Topuridze has been subjected to pressure, as recently he confronted municipal authorities. This was been confirmed by Tengiz Topuridze himself during his meeting with journalists. As to the Deputy Mayor, he maintains that he never abused him physically but confirms that they had a verbal confrontation. According to the reports, the confrontation in the office of Sakrebulo Chairperson was triggered by the decision to increase number of employees, which Tengiz Topuridze objected to. On February 2, Deputy Mayor Amiran Dzotsenidze and Sakrebulo Chairperson Amiran Khvadagiani were questioned in Kutaisi Police Department. Khashuri on February 6, Majoritarian MP of Khashuri Valeri Gelashvili and Gamgebeli Giorgi Beraia presented Bano Gelashvili as a trustee of Surami territorial unit to the local population. His candidacy was not supported by part f the population, expressing a protest over dismissal of former trustee, Davit Garadzinski. A physical clash between supporters and opponents of Vano Gelashvili ensued. Vakhtang Grigalashvili and Kakha Tabatadze also engaged in a fight against each other. Khelvachauri on February 7, a prtoest rally was staged demanding resignation of Khelvachauri Sakrebulo Chairperson Malkhaz Partenadze. Head of the Information Center to Combat Corruption Merab Ghoghoberidze invaded Malkhaz Partenadzes office togather with several other citizens and declared that he would not leave the office until members of Sakirebulo convened an extraordinary meeting for resignation of the chairperson. Ghoghoberidze explained that Malkhaz Partenadze was involved in Beshumi incident and he had no moral right to continue working as Sakrebulo Chairperson. Law enforcers mobilized outside the office of the chairperson. Ghoghoberidze left as late as 10:00pm and continued to protest in the reception area of Sakrebulo Chairperson for the rest of the night.

3. Staff Changes in Self-Governments Kvareli staff changes has affected the police only. On November 6, local population protested against appointment of Levan Tsokoshvili as a deputy chief of police. They explained that as a former police officer Tsukoshvili oftens ubjected citizens to pressure. Involvement of the Interior Minister Gharibashvili eased the situation. He arrived in Kvareli and explained that staff changes in the law enforcement authorities has been finished and he is happy with the work of renewed staff. Kutaisi there were no staff changes in Kutaisi self-government; to the contrary, under the resolution N178, dated December 26, 2012, 125 new contractors were hired in frames of the programme Residential Building. Further, number of key staff of the territorial agency was increased with 12. On December 27, employee of the administrative department of the City Hall, Tengiz Topuridze held a special briefing to discuss unprecedented increase of employees in municipal self-government and professionalism of employees of the City Hall. According to him, there is no need for the increase, whereas people who lack quallifications are appointed to various positions without having to participate in a competition. There are 815 people employeedin Kutaisi City Hall. The total amount of their salaries in 2013 is GEL 7,145 million.

Akhaltsikhe following replacement of Gamgebeli, staff changes in Akhaltsikhe Municipality Gamgeoba continued. On December 27, Ashot Manasian was appointed as Deputy Gamgebeli. Head of the department of culture and sports was also replaced. On January 15, new trustees were named during a meeting in Gamgeoba. 12 out of 16 territorial agencies now have new trustees. According to Besik Khatirashvili, trustees have been appointed pro-tempore, with probationary periods from one to three months. He also says that trustees had resigned for personal reasons, while new trustees were appointed following consultations with public. Some members of the Georgian Dream are protesting against staff changes in the municipal authorities. According to them, newly appointed officials are from the UNM party and they are making all the decisions. According to Lela Chitoreladze, an activist of the Georgian Dream, candidacy nominated by them for the position of Agara trustee was blocked for being a woman. On December 25, four employees of the local self-government specialist on tax and fee issues, natural resource sspecialist, specialist in construction and spatial arrangement and chief of Akhaltsike Fire Department resigned. Deputy Gamgebeli Tamar Gogoladze stated that they resigned for personal reasons, while these individuals in private conversation state that they had been asked to resign from upper echelons. Khobi heads of nine departments and trustees of 22 territorial agencies submitted applications for resignation. Further, heads of the department of culture and the agricultural department have been replaced. Head of the kindergardens union and chief of police have been replaced. According to their former employees, the dismissals were politically motivated. Officfials of the municipality have stated that these reports were unverified; however, they confirmed that there indeed was a certain reorganization of human resources. According to the Chairman of Khobi Municipality Sakrebulo, Mamuka Kardava, 6 out of 14 employees were replaced but changes mostly affected technical personnel. According to the Acting Gamgebeli, Kakhaber Benidze, employees had willingly submitted letters of resignation. Adjara reorganization of human resources has been ongoing in the Supreme Council of Adjara A/R since January. According to official reports, total of fourty employees have been dismissed, while remaining employees will be able to maintain their positions after successful passing of certification. According to the chief of Adjara Supreme Councils office, Ramaz Bolkvadze, total of 15 employees have resigned starting from October 1, term of authority expired for six employees, while 19 freelancers were dismissed from work. Head of the legal and procedures affairs of Adjara Supreme Council Medea Vasadze believes that dismissal of employees has nothing to do with political motives, maintaining that following certification employees will continue working as usual. There has been an certification board set up. Following reorganization in the Supreme Council, there will be a competition announced for recruitment of staff in the Supreme Council. On February 5, Head of Public Relations Department of Adjara Supreme Council Nino Grdzelide accused representatives of the Georgian Dream of exerting pressure. During a press-conference held in the Center for Civic Engagement in Batumi she declared that the Georgian Dream is demanding employees of the Supreme Council to resign and is exerting pressure agains them.

Zugdidi on January 3, Acting Gamgebeli Edisher Toloraia presented his deputies Merab Kvaria, manager of Georgian Dreams election campaign in Zugdidi; Giorgi Todia, head of the Republican Partys office in Zugdidi and Gizo Sartania, representative of local office of the Free Democrats. On the day he was appointed, Tolordaia declared during a press-conference that he was not planning any major staff changes, as the office of Gamgeoba had professional staff; however, according to the January 10 reports, he demanded that heads of departments and employees write letters of resignation. Deputy Gamgebeli Gizo Sartania stated that Gamgebeli did not pressure anyone into resigning. He only suggested that employees write letters of resignation. Telavi on January 5, 30 emloyees of Telavi Municipality were demanded to write letters of resignation. Almost all employees of 26 territorial unit obeyed to the instructions of the management. According to trustees and employees of territorial units of villages, Telavi Gamgebeli Zurab Kurashvili had demanded that they write letters of resignation. Gamgebeli explained that new employees would be appointed following a competition. Everyone who will successfully perform at the competition will be employed. He also stated that public servants, who had already submitted letters of resignation, had not yet been dismissed. Zurab Kurashvili was appointed to the position of Acting Gamgebeli of Telavi following the parliamentary elections. Prevously he was serving as the head of the Georgian Dreams office in Telavi. After his appointment he had employees of the office of Gamgeoba write resignation letters. According to the chief of the office, this is an unwritten law. When management is changed, everyone writes a letter [of resignation]. Resignation letters submitted by village trustees was met by variety of reactions. Some protested over the fact, while some said that due to the change in the authorities, this was expected. Trustees said they had been informed that new trustees would be appointed based on a competition. Gori On January 8 it was reported that 27 turstees of the municipality were demanded to write letters of resignation at the meeting with Gamgebeli Papuna Koberidze in Gori Gamgeoba. Koberidze has confirmed the reports; however, he maintains that the dismissals have not been politically motivated. Trustees themselves refrain from commenting. However, in private conversations they state that they had been dismissed due to political affiliation. On December 26, Principal of Sh.Chochishvili Central Sports School and director of the sports center Giorgi Tenadze were dismissed. Under the decision of Gori Municipality Gamgebeli, Konstantine Khubuluri was appointed as the sports school principal, while Nodar Metreveli replaced Giorgi Tenadze. Khelvachauri on the day new Gamgebeli was appointed, all three deputy Gamgebelis Irakli Surmanidze, Leon Tedoradze and Tamaz Karanadze submitted letters of resignation. Later Assistant to Gamgebeli Jaba Abuladze also submitted a letter of resignation willingly. All twelve turstees of the municipality communities submitted letters of resignation; however, resignation letters of the trustees have not yet been formally approved. Gamgebeli himself confirms that employes have been dismissed; however, he also states that tehre will be a competition announced for openings in the office of Gamgeoba. Until then, their status of employment will be changed to templorary employment, before the competition. Mtskheta following the appointment of new Gamgebeli, total of 23 trustees of village territorial units were dismissed. Employees of Mtskheta Gamgeoba also submitted letters of resignation. According to the dismissed employees, Municipality Gamgebeli Givi Giutashvili demanded that they submit letters of resignation.

Gamgebeli himself explains that there was a public suvey conducted in villages and new trustees of territorial units were appointed in consideration of public opinion. As to the employees of Municipality Gamgeoba, Deputy Gamgebeli and heads of two departments have resigned. All of them submitted letters of resignation willingly, without any pressure. Giutashvili also noted that there is a surplus of employees in municipality offices and therefore, he plans to hold certification exams starting from January. Tianeti there were certain staff changes following replacement of Gamgebeli in Tianeti. From October2012 to January 30, 2013, total of 54 public servantsresigned willingly by submitting letters of resignation and 3 dismissed under the order of Gamgebeli. Employees that submitted letters of resignation include Deputy Gamgebelis, chief of administrative department, heads of Gamgeoba offices, specialists of territorial agencies and 12 village trustees. According to the former trustees, they were demanded to resign by Gamgebeli. The latter has rejected the allegations, saying that new trustees were appointed in view of public opinion and based on consultations with public, for the probationary period of 3 months. During the very same period, there were 24 new employees hired, most of whom were activists of the Georgian Dream in pre-election period. Akhmeta following replacement of Gamgebeli in Akhmeta, major staff changes ensued. As noted in previous report, 25-year old Beka Baidauri was appointed as Acting Gamgebeli of Akhmeta Municipality in late November 2012. He is a friend of Zurab Zviadauri, Majoritarian MP of the Georgian Dream from Akhmeta. According to Baidauri, changes affected 32 imployees; in particular, twenty were dismissed and some were appointed to a different position.Out of 14 trustees of territorial units, seven were dismissed based on their own letters of resignation. According to Baidauri, all members of Gamgeoba submitted letters of resignation as he had the freedom to choose new staff. Resigned employees will receive a two-month salary as a compensation. In early January it was reported that Zurab Zviadauris relatives were appointed to a number of various positions. Beka Baidauri appointed his sister-in-law Magda Lagazauri as his assistant andZurab Zviadauris cousin, Berdia Zviadauri as Deputy Gamgebeli. Merab Zviadauri appointed as head of the supervision service is a cousing of the MP. Lela Akhmeteli, Berdia Zviadauris wife was appointed as assistant to Akhmeta Sakrebulo Chairperson. Zaza Mebaghishvili, appointed as the head of Akhmeta service-center of Kakheti Energy Distribution Jsc is also Zviadauris relative. Staff changes were also made in Sakrebulo. According to Sakrebulo Chairperson Zakaria Kinkladze, he reduced number of employees from 11 to six. Public servants were dismissed based on their letters of resignation. On January 15, head of the sipervision service of Akhmeta Municipality, Merab Zviadauri, Deputy Gamgebeli Berdia Zviadauri and Assistant to Gamgebeli Magda Lagazauri resigned. According to Beka Baidauri, they made the decision in view of public interest. The following day an interview of Zurab Zviadauri, Akhmeta Majoritarian MP was released, saying that as soon as I learned that sister-in-law of Gamgebeli was working in Gamgeoba even though it is not a violation of law and that this has caused such a commotion, I made the decision and they left their offices. I made this decision to avoid throwing mud at me, said Zviadauri. There were major staff reductions in kindergartens. Half of 538 employees were dismissed. Some have linked their dismissal to political pressure. Head of the union of kindergartens states that this had to do with optimization. According to public information requested by ISFEDs coordinator, labor contracts of 538 employees expired on December 31, 2012. As of January 3, 2013, following the adoption of the new list of employees, 333 persons were hired.

Sagarejo new Gamgebeli Giorgi Loladze was appointed last November, with support of the coalition. He made certain staff changes and replaced all village trustees, except those of Khashimi and Mzisguli. Mestia Acting Municipality Gamgebeli Kapiton Zhorzholiani started reorganization by dismissing village trustees in Mestia District. According to Zhorzholiani, he will dismiss almost all of the village trustees and recruit new ones by himself. Staff changes also affected the office of Gamgeoba and Sakrebulo, as well as the police. Shuakhevi the newly appointed Gamgebeli says that he is planning a reorganization. They had almost all employees write letters of resignation, including in the fire department and the department of culture. Resignation leters were also submitted by all employees of kindergarten of the village of Samoleti, saying the following I am writing to formally ask you for a resignation due to the reorganization and for reinstation to work following the reorganization. Sighnaghi on January 8 it was reported that 40 employees of Sighnaghi Gamgeoba were dismissed. Appointment of new Gamgebeli was followed by staff changes. Some employees submitted resignation letters willingly, while some had their contracts expired. Those who wrote letters of resignation include Deputy Gamgebelis, heads of departments in Gamgeoba and their specialists. All trustees of territorial units resign, except for 3 villages. According to former employees of Sighnaghi Gamgeoba, now they are hiring activists of the Georgian Dream. Gamgebeli of Sighnaghi Municipality stated that dismissed employees were freelancers who had been employeed on the basis of a contract for a fixed period of time. They had been hired on the basis of contracts during pre-election period. The term of their contracts had expired and we decided against extending the term. So many employees are no longer necessary, said Gamgebeli. Kaspi staff changes continued in January in Kaspi On January 8, Jabo Kamkhadze, world champion and champion of Europe for two times was appointed as the third Deputy Gamgebeli. According to official reports, heads of the following five departments have been dismissed: department of culture, sports and youth; social department; administrative department; fire department; heads of kindergarten unions. There were two new departments set up legal and architectural. Under January 9 order, head of Kaspi union of kindergartens, Nana Noniashvili was dismissed togather with principals of all five kindergartens within the union. They were able to continue working as kindergarten teachers. The only kindergarten principle who was left unemployed was Ketevan Noniashvili, principal of kindergarten N1. Expiration of contract term was cited as the reason for the dismissals. Khashuri there were staff changes following the replacement of Gamgebeli in municipality. Two Deputy Gamgebelis were replaced; however, former deputies were offered other positions. Deputy Sakrebulo Chairperson roman Grigalashvili was replaced by Giorgi Tskhadiashvili. Roman Grigalashvili established a new faction The Independents. 13 trustees of territorial units in Khashuri submitted letters of resignation. As of now, only several of them have already resigned. At the municipality they say that these decisions were made willingly and no one has pressured them into resignation. New trustees in villages in Khashuri were appointed amid commotion. The process of appointment was attended by Khashuri Majoritarian MP Valeri Gelashvili and Municipality Gamgebeli Giorgi Beraia. Eventually, candidates that were appointed were the ones favored by the MP and Gamgebeli. Half of the people present in the conference hall holding 50 people expressed their protest against the favorites of Gelashvili and Beraia and left the conference hall.

There was a single candidate considered in the village of Osiauri. Jurkha Makharashvili (representative of the Republican Dream, one of the members of the coalition Georgian Dream) was appointed as a trustee of the territorial unit. On February 6, Vano Gelashvili was appointed as a trustee of the territorial unit of Surami. He was presented to the local population by Khashuri Majoritarian MP Valeri Gelashvili and Giorgi Beraia. Part of the population attending the presentation did not support the candidacy of Vano Gelashvili and were protesting against dismissal of the former trustee Davit Garadzinski. A physical clash between Vano Gelashvilis supporters and opponents ensued. On February 9, Municipality Gamgebeli togather with MP Valeri Gelashvili presented a new trustee, Zurab Charkhalashvili to the population of Kvishkheti. The Municipality Gamgebeli stated that all of the village trustees had been appointed for a probationary period. Appointment of trustees in 13 Sakrebulos of Khashuri District has been finished. There are total of 71 employees in Gamgeoba. According to the chief of staff, number of employees has not changed following staff changes. Gurjaani following replacement of Gamgebeli and Sakrebulo Chairpersons, there were no other changes in Gurjaani. Contracts of 68 employees expired and were not extended. Most of them worked as specialists in territorial units of villages. Majority of contracts expired on December 31, 2012. Dismissed employees include Assistant to Gamgebeli Maia Nariashvili, Deputy Gamgebelis Davit Bezhashvili and Giorgi Petruzashvili, as well as Marine Chitinashvili, Temur Buntsashvili, Otar Imerlishvili and others, who were particularly engaged in pre-election agitation in favor of the UNM. These individuals were also referred to in ISFEDs preelection reports. Marine Chitinashvili and Temur Buntsashvili are currently employeed in the bureau of majoritarian MP. Out of 31 persons appointed to varius offices from December 10 to January 16, 12 are activists of the Georgian Dream. According to January 18 reports, newly appointed Deputy Municipality Gamgebeli Zurab Danelishvii summoned trustees of territorial units of villages. He confirms that the meeting did in fact take place. I encouraged their sence of responsibility, so to say stated Zurab Danelishvili in an interview with a TV station. Some of the trustees have already submitted letters of resignation and left their offices. Gurjaani Majoritarian MP Giorgi Ghviniashvili (UNM) made a special statement on staff changes. He accused the municipality authorities of political persecution of villate trustees and called on the authorities to put an end to these facts. Tsageri following the replacement of Gamgebeli, staff changes in Gamgeoba and the police ensued. There were 11 employees replaced in Gamgeoba for various reasons. Old employees were reinstated. In some of the cases reduction of staff was cited as the reason. New employees were hired according to their party affiliation. On January 15, trustees of Okureashi and Kveda Tsageri communities Mamuka Mamardashvili and Gia Letodiani resigned, explaining that they submitted letters of resignation willingly. Changes also affected trsutees of Alpani and Aghvi communities. They were dismissed by Tsageri Municipality Gamgebeli Dimistry Asatiani. According to Tengiz Burjaliani and Oleg Mikadze, they had been fired for their different political opinions. They filed in court. The court reinstated them to their former under its January 5, 2012 decision. Dedoplistskaro following the parliamentary elections, Sakrebulo Chairperson and Gamgebeli were replaced in Dedoplistskaro. 14 trustees of territorial units of the municipality resigned based on their own

letters of resignation. Staff changes also affected the police and the office of Gamgeoba. Employees of rescue service submitted letters of resignation willingly; so did employees of cleaning service, water supply depatment and the resource center. Same was true for kindergartens heads, who were also instructed to submit letters of resignation. Reduction of staff was cited as the reason; however, dismissed employees were replaced by others. Chiatura representative of the Georgian Dream was appointed as Chiatura Gamgebeli in November; staff changes ensued. 16 village trustees resigned based on their letters of resignation. Staff changes mostly affected Gamgeoba and the police. New employees are hired based on their political affiliation. Competition has not been announced.

4. Developments in Tbilisi Self-Government On December 25 Sakrebulo approved the initiative of Tbilisi Mayor, according to which number of Gamgeobas will be increased from six to ten, municipalities from 23 to 19. Candidates for the newly established offices have not yet been selected. Old Tbilisi District on January 12, former head of the National Enforcement Bureau Nikoloz Melia was appointed as Gamgebeli of Old Tbilisi. He was presented by Mayor Giorgi Ugulava. Former Gamgebeli Davit Avaliani was appointed as the head of Tbilisi Development Fund. Tbilisi Sakrebulo on February 7 new faction Georgian Dream Democratic Georgia was created in Tbilisi Sakrebulo. The new faction was presented by Zaza Gabunia, Jaba Samushjia and Kakha Brokishvili. The faction will be chaired by Zaza Gabunia and will also include Jaba Samushia and Kakha Brokishvili who still remains to be in the Christian Democratic Movement. At the press conference Zaza Gabunia noted that he does not rule out increase of number of members of the faction; however, he does not deem it expedient to name future members of the faction. The Christian Democratic faction was dissolved in Sakrebulo after Zaza Gabunia and Jaba Samushia left it. There are four factions in Tbilisi Sakrebulo. The UNM has the majority. Other factions include Freedom, Georgian Dream Tbilisi, Georgian Dream Tbiliselebi.

5. Governors During the period following the October 1, 2012 parliamentary elections, the president replaced governors in six regions. On October 16 President Saakashvili presented four new governors former Minsiter of Labor, Health and Social Affairs Zurab Chiaberashvili in Kakheti, Former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Vakhtang Balavadze in Imereti, former Minister of Agriculture Zaza Gorozia in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, UNMs former Majoritarian MP Giorgi Chelidze in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. On January 10 president presented Tengiz Gunava as Governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. During his meeting with members of Sakrebulo in Zugdidi, President Saakashvili stated that Tengiz Gunava is the person whose role was instrumental in combating criminal in Samegrelo. Former chief of the MIAs General Inspection, Tengiz Gunava has been arrested two times for acquisition and storage of drugs, illegal carriage of arms, and was released on bail. He has been charged with several counts of crime and the case has been referred to city court for consideration. As criminal proceedings against Tengiz Gunava had not been terminated, his appointment as governor proved to be particularly intimidating for

population. Activists and supporters of the Georgian Dream protested his appointment at the main square of Zugdidi. Similar rally was also staged on January 17, organized by NGO Protect Georgia. On January 12, the President of Georgia appointed Khatuna Ochiauri as Mtskheta-Mtianeti Governor and Andro Barnovi as the Governor of Shida Kartli. According to the president, the new governors were appointed in view of the existing situation and that he will continue reinvigorating municipal agencies in the future. Kvemo Kartli Governor Davit Kirkitadze and Samtskhe-Javakheti Governor Tengiz Tsiklauri remain in their positions; however, on October 22 Harutiun Hovanesian was appointed as Deputy Governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti. Valeri Chitaishvili remains to be the Governor of Guria. Following the elections former employee of the Chamber of Control, Paata Manjgaladze was appointed as his deputy. Governors became actively involved in the developments in local self-governments. On January 18 Khatuna Ochiauri made a statement about dismissal of public servants in Tianeti and Kazbegi municipalities, saying that people have been massively fired and qualified staff is persecuted on political motives. Out of 129 employees of Tianeti Gamgeoba 60 have been fired. On January 30 Shida Kartli Governor Andro Barnovi met with dismissed public servants and stated that he will personally see to all cases of illegal dismissals. Further, he declared every Monday as the day for meeting with population of the region. During the first meeting he was asked for assistance mostly about social, health and other problems. On January 31 Davit Kirkitadze held a special briefing in Kvemo Kartli regional administration, attended by Deputy Governor, Deputy Rustavi Sakrebulo Chairperson and the Chairperson of Finance Commission of Sakrebulo. According to the Governor, Rustavi budget 2013 has been decreased with 50%, which has hindered implementation of projects. According to Kirkitadze unless they receive a specific response from the Prime Minister, and the budget funds are increased, the local authorities and the UNM in particular (and representatives of their team) will stage permanent rallies. On February 1, Governors voiced the following three demands before the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure: restoring the so-called investment programs and putting an end to illegal dismissals from Gamgeobas and local municipalities in frames of the Ministrys purview. Meeting with Governors and the Ministrys management was held at the MRDA and attended by all Governors. Following the meeting Governors were promised by the Minister that the rural support program would continue and funding for the program had already been envisaged in the budget. As to other issues, According to the Minister Davit Narmania, the MRDA is not involved in the developments in selfgovernment authorities. Our key function is to coordinate projects and programs that we are implemented stated Minister Narmania.

6. Instances of Legal Proceedings Vani New charges were brought against Chairman of Vani Municipality Sakrebulo Davit Kakapadze. Proceedings were first instituted against Davit Kakabadze on December 8, 2012, under para.2a of Article 156 (harassment by violence) and para.3 of Article 118 (inflicting less grave injury to health) of the Criminal Code of Georgia. On December 27 the prosecution leveled new charges against Kakabadze abetting and official fraud. He resigned on December 9. Law enforcers questioned all individuals involved. Investigation has been launched under Articles 24-341 of the Criminal Code (fabrication of documents) and envisages imprisonment from two to four years.

Baghdati on January 9 the prosecutors office requested files of all cases litigated from January 1 to October 1, 2013 from Baghdati Municipality. The fact is confirmed by head of the financial department of Baghdati Gamgeoba Mamuka Chelidze. Poti on January 26, law enforces arrested an employee of Poti Infrastructure Department Lekso Kuchikhidze (UNM), who has been charged with abuse of official power. Kuchukhidze is charged with intimidating population during mass destruction of garages and involvement in blackmail. According to him, there were up to 3 000 garages dismantled in 2010-2012, including 300 garages registered as private property. At a press-conference held in the party headquarters, Sergo Ratiani (UNM) stated that it was an example of political pressure exerted against the ruling party on their opponents. Lanckhuti on January 29, Lanckhuti Municipality Gamgebeli Kakha Askurava was questioned by the police. The investigation is looking into infrastructure works in Lanckhuti prior to the elections. Kakha Kukava has stated that he was not pressured during questioning; however, he thinks it may be possible that he was summoned due to a scheduled meeting of Sakrebulo, where Lanckhuti Sakrebulo Chairperson will be elected. Representatives of the Georgian Dream and the UNM are competing for this position. In addition to Gamgebeli and his deputy, there were several other members of Sakrebulo summoned to Lanckhuti Police Department for questioning. Kakheti on January 30, criminal proceedings were instituted against former first deputy of the presidents representative in Kakheti Region, Giorgi Sibashvili. The MOFs investigating department is charging him with abuse and excessive use of power, as well as illegal acquisition and wasting state property. Giorgi Sibashvili does not plead guilty and intends to provide the investigating authorities with the documents that will shed light on issues he has been charged with. The former first deputy representative of the president has been ordered GEL 15 000 in bail by court as a preventive measure, while the prosecution was asking for GEL 50 000. According to official reports, investigation has been launched under para.1, Articles 332 and 33 of the Criminal Code and para.2-3 of Article 182, envisaging 11 years of imprisonment. On February 2 Sibashvili appealed the decision of Telavi District Court in the Appellate Court. Kaspi on January 31, officers of Shida Kartli Division of Ministry of Finances investigating service arrested Head of the Department of Economy and Infrastructure Development of Kaspi Gamgeoba, Zurab Gelitashvili and Head of the Kaspi Amenities Ltd. Giorgi Gotsiridze were arrested on charges of misappropriation of a large amount of state funds. The investigation established that an agreement was signed between Kaspi Municipality Gamgeoba and Kaspi Amenities Ltd. founded by the municipality, for sweeping and cleaning of Kaspi suburbs, and take care of the landfill area. According to the investigating authorities, contract terms were systematically violated. Investigation has been launched under para.2 and 3 of Article 182 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, envisaging imprisonment from 7 to 11 years. Ninotsminda on February 5, officers of Samtskhe-Javakheti Division of the Ministry of Finances investigating department arrested head of Konduri territorial unit of Ninotsminda Gamgeoba Hambartsum Tatvosian. The investigation established that he produced fraudulent certificates for selling cattle and received GEL 500 in return. Investigation has been launched under para.1, Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, envisaging imprisonment from six to nine years. Khobi - officers of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Division of the Ministry of Finances investigating department arrested director of Khobi Cleaning and Lighting Ltd. (founded by Khobi Gamgeoba) Nukri Tsotsonava on misappropriation of state funds. According to the head of the public relations division of

MOFs investigating department, Natia Sukhiashvili, Tsotsonava was arrested on misappropriation of state budget funds. Together with the head of Khobi Municipality Cleaning Service, there were several other individuals arrested; however, the MOFs investigating department is refraining from releasing detailed information. The investigation has been instituted under para.2, Article 182 of the Criminal Code, envisaging imprisonment from four to seven years. Old Tbilisi District on January 17 law enforcement authorities charged Gamgebeli of Old Tbilisi Nikoloz Melia under two Articles para.1, Article 205 (abetting hiding of property) and para.1, Article 232 (abuse of power). Melia was questioned in relation to Cartu Bank, where hes been charged with organizing and carrying out auctions maliciously. The court of first instance ordered bail in the amount of GEL 25 000 as a preventive measure. The defendant appealed the decision. Mtskheta-Mtianeti - on January 24, officers of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Division of the Ministry of Finances investigating department arrested Governor Tsezar Chocheli on charges of legalization of illegal income and entrepreneurial activities. In particular, the investigation alleges that while holding a position of Governor Tsezar Chocheli was illegally involved in activities of New Energy Ltd. He was providing protection to the company and was helping them sign contracts for implementation of projects funded by the state budget. In return, he received great amount of income and was legalizing it by means of money laundering. On January 27, Chocheli was released on bail from Gldani Prison. He has been charged under Articles 194 and 337 of the Criminal Code legalization of illegal income or money laundering and illegal involvement in entrepreneurial activities. Tbilisi City Hall on February 2, Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava was summoned by investigating authorities but he did not appear for questioning, saying that he would wait for an investigator in his office in City Hall. Representatives of the office of the prosecutor and the MOFs investigating department arrived in the City Hall for questioning. Gigi Ugulava was questioned for several hours by the investigators, asking questions about activities of Tbilservice Group. The investigation has established that on December 31, 2009, director general of Tbilservice Group Ltd. at that time, Giogi Khuchua, under the instructions of the head of the City Halls Cleaning Services Department at that time, Tariel Khizanishvili, established pro-forma public relations division within the department for the purpose of providing financial income to activists of the UNM. Over the period of two years the department fictitiously employed 764 activists of the political party the so-called party coordinators. Most of them had not even worked a single day at the department; nevertheless, they received GEL 5 245 945 from assignations intended for the budget of Tbilisi. On February 4, director general of Tbilservice Group Ltd. Tornike Shiolashvili and his first deputy Giorgi Khuchua were questioned. The very same day, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi Tariel Khizanishvili was also questioned in relation to the activities of Tbilservice Group Ltd. at the investigating department of the MOF. On February 7, Chairperson of the faction UNM of Tbilisi Sakrebulo Nikoloz Khachirashvili was summoned at the investigating department of the MOF. According to the investigating authorities, he was questioned in relation to the case of Tbilservice Group Ltd. According to Nikoloz Khachirashvili, members of local self-governments and the UNM MPs were summoned in various investigating agencies for questioning almost on a daily basis, which amounts to a psychological, moral and political pressure. Chairperson of the UNMs Regional Organization in Samgori

Giorgi Kakhnelidze was also questioned in the MOFs investigating department in relation to the case of Tbilservice Group. Kvemo Kartli on February 8, Deputy Governor of Kvemo Kartli Zaza Dekanoidze was summoned to the office of the prosecutor of Marneuli. Following questioning, former Gamgebeli of Marneuli and Deputy Governor of Kvemo Kartli stated that they had been questioned about the pre-election period, when Dekanoidze served as the manager of the UNMs election campaign in Marneuli. The investigation had questions about whether his position as the election campaign manager corresponded to his official capacity of Marneuli Gamgebeli the position that he was holding at that time. Dekanoidze explained that his authority as Gamgebeli was suspended and he was not using any government resources. According to Governor Davit Kirkitadze, authorities continue to mount pressure on self-governments, hindering the work of municipal authorities. Bakurtsikhe on February 10, on charges of production of fraudulent documents and bribery, officers of Kakheti Division of the MOFs investigating department arrested trustee of the village Bakurtsikhe, Teimuraz Zavrashvili. The investigation established that Zavrashvili produced a fraudulent certificate and received GEL 300 as a bribe. The investigation has been instituted under para.1, Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, envisaging imprisonment from 6 to 9 years. ISFED believes that expectation of citizens that following the change in the central authorities it is only natural for changes to also occur in municipal governments stems from their wrongful perception of functions and the essence of local self-government, frequently caused by inappropriate practices in the past and the fact that self-government officials and public servants often commit illegal actions against citizens, including dismissals from work, making threats and exerting pressure, abusing government resources.

VI. Conclusion Protest rallies of citizens requesting resignation of officials stems from their expectation that following the change in the central authorities it is only natural for changes to also occur in municipal governments, for the Georgian Dream to become a decision-making political force at the local level as well. Such public sentiments have been engendered by their wrongful perception of local self-governments essence and functions on the one hand, frequently caused by the work that municipal officials pursued; in particular, during the pre-election period self-government officials were widely viewed as representatives of the ruling party and their supporters at the local level, further promoted by the fact that the Election Code grants the status of a political official to Gamgebelis even though they should go through a competitive process of selection for appointment. It is due to the status that they enjoy an unlimited right to campaigning. Moreover, regrettably self-government officials and public servants perpetrated illegal activities against local population, including dismissals from work, making threats, pressure, misuse of administrative resources, etc. Nevertheless, such precedents in no way justify the illegal pressure and violence in a number of municipalities. Regrettably, the trend continues and the authorities fail to take effective measures for prevention. We believe that the transfer of power in self-governments must be abided by procedures prescribed by law, and the government of Georgia must ensure that they function in a pressure-free environment. We believe that the existing situation once more showcases the necessity of reforming the system of local self-governance to ensure their actual independence and non-interference in issues that fall under their

purview. We believe that making offices of Mayors and Gamgebelis elective is one of the ways to build trust in local self-government officials and boost stability of these institutes. We are aware that the process of elaborating a new concept of self-government has already been launched in coordination with the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure and it is set to be realized prior to the 2014 municipal elections. Regrettably, details about ongoing or future works have not yet been made public, and participation of all civil society stakeholders has not been ensured. It is important for the reform to be conducted in a transparent manner and for all stakeholders be provided with an opportunity for participation in a timely manner.