Mikheil Kavelashvili has pardoned Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. As stated in Kavelashvili's announcement, “Despite various circumstances, the President made this decision to ensure that no one has even the slightest pretext to claim that the local self-government elections are being held under conditions of limited competitiveness.”

“The registration process for electoral subjects in the local self-government elections was concluded yesterday. Among the political associations that successfully registered is the party Strong Georgia - Lelo, whose leaders are presently serving sentences in a penitentiary institution for a specific offence.

It is beyond dispute that the local self-government elections will be conducted in a competitive environment, notwithstanding the imprisonment of these individuals. At the same time, it should be emphasized that elections, in general, must not serve as a form of indulgence for any politician who has committed a crime. Nor should it be overlooked that, several weeks ago, the aforementioned convicts rejected my proposal of pardon, thereby attempting to undermine the authority of the presidential institution.

Nevertheless, notwithstanding all of the aforementioned circumstances, in order to preclude even the slightest pretext for claiming that the local self-government elections are being conducted under conditions of limited competitiveness, I have made the decision to grant a pardon to two convicted individuals - Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. I express the hope that, in the future, they will continue their political activities with due respect for the rule of law.

I call upon all electoral subjects to contribute to the conduct of the local self-government elections in a healthy and peaceful environment. I extend my best wishes to all electoral participants who engage in the elections with a genuine commitment to the development of municipalities and the realization of the interests of the population,” Mikheil Kavelashvili's statement reads.