On July 31, Georgia's ruling party officially nominated Kakha Kaladze for the post of Tbilisi mayor. If he wins, Kaladze will lead the capital for a third term, despite facing accusations of corruption from his opponents. The opposition's choice for a competitor in the upcoming October 4 municipal elections remains uncertain, though the Rustavi 2 TV channel has suggested it could be Aleko Elisashvili from the Lelo - Strong Georgia coalition.

Following the report, Elisashvili has faced widespread criticism, even from his allies. He angrily addressed opponents, telling them, "Wait until tomorrow, July 31, and you will understand what lies you are spreading!" His potential coalition partners, the "Lelo - Strong Georgia" and "Gakharia for Georgia" parties, have distanced themselves from the rumor. Lelo leaders Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze reported from prison that consultations on a candidate are still underway, a sentiment echoed by Giorgi Gakharia's party. This comes as a majority of pro-Western opposition forces plan to boycott the elections, which they deem a "special operation and a show," and do not recognize the legitimacy of the government.

Despite the uncertainty, Aleko Elisashvili remains a staunch supporter of participating in the elections. "Local government elections are the most important in the country, because this is the first-level government, and it is the one that must solve the problems that worry people the most," he stated. He emotionally criticized Mayor Kaladze for a 2021 promise to build an overground metro in Tbilisi's Samgori district, which was never fulfilled. "They stole 12 million lari from you, from me, from everyone, for no reason. They announced a tender, conducted a study and put it on the shelf... all this must be put to an end."

The ruling Georgian Dream party does not take Elisashvili or his statements seriously, although his party was previously the first opposition force to cooperate with them in parliament. Regarding his potential candidacy, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili ironically remarked, "To call Aleko Elisashvili a candidate for mayor is a logical continuation of the circus that Khazaradze and Gakharia are organizing." Papuashvili's subsequent comments indicated he holds the opposition in low regard, particularly as a competitive force.