ISTANBUL

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Saturday that the ruling Georgian Dream -- Democratic Georgia party is winning local elections in all municipalities with more than 70% of the vote.

“At our election headquarters, data shows that Georgian Dream is leading in both mayoral and city council elections in every municipality, including Tbilisi and other major cities,” Kobakhidze told a press briefing.

He thanked voters for their support and promised that the government will “justify this trust through hard work.”

Voters are choosing mayors for Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, and Poti, as well as representatives for 59 municipalities and 64 city councils.

Twelve parties are competing, with nine candidates running for Tbilisi mayor. The ruling party nominated incumbent Kakha Kaladze, while the main opposition groups – Strong Georgia – Lelo and Gakharia for Georgia – backed former lawmaker Irakli Kupradze.

Over 3.5 million citizens were registered to vote at 3,061 polling stations nationwide, most of which are using electronic ballot boxes.