The election was initially scheduled for autumn 2010. However, as a result of numerous opposition rallies with demands for Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili’s resignation, the head of the country had to call an early election.

A number of changes have been made to the country’s Constitution and electoral legislature to ensure a fair vote.

This is the first time the mayor of Tbilisi has been elected through a direct vote. Before the mayor was elected by the deputies of the local council from its members, which is the practice across Georgia. Nine candidates were registered to run for the post, among them the current mayor of Tbilisi, alongside eight representatives from different opposition parties.

Sunday’s election was viewed as a rigorous test for the country’s opposition parties. They say they are ready to take to the streets if the election is rigged and warn the government against any falsification.
A number of opposition parties, among them Democratic Movement–United Georgia headed by the ex-speaker of parliament, Nino Burdzhanadze, have boycotted the election, claiming it will not change the overall political situation in the country. The opposition is instead calling for a peaceful struggle with the intention of forcing an early presidential election and a change of power at all levels. Currently the parliamentary vote is scheduled for 2012, and a presidential election is to be held in 2013.

Approximately 10,000 local inspectors along with 1,500 international watchdogs were monitoring the election.