On January 30, Levan Khabeishvili, a member of the Georgian Parliament, defeated Nika Melia and became the new leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM). Against Melia's 40% (16,476 votes), the victor received 52.58% (21,656 votes). Using an electronic voting machine, the UNM party conducted the elections from January 28 to January 30. There were 49,638 registered party members, and 41,264 of them cast ballots.

Giorgi Mumladze received 3.68% of the vote, while Nona Mamulashvili received 3.73% (1,537 votes), far behind the leaders. Koba Nakopia, the head of the UNM Political Council, revealed the results. Nakopia also pointed out that the UNM will gather its congress, by the party's regulations, to approve the results, following which the new chairman would legally assume office.

Levan Khabeishvili, the newly elected chairman, thanked the electorate for their support and highlighted that the National Movement has demonstrated with these elections that its loss is unthinkable. He said that the only party in Georgia that demonstrates its devotion to democratic, western ideals via its deeds is the National Movement. "The National Movement has demonstrated via these elections that it is a strong union of our devoted citizens who work to bring about the success of our nation. We have demonstrated to everyone - our allies and adversaries, citizens and foreigners - that we are dedicated to the ideals and ideas that gave rise to the Rose Revolution," he added.

Nika Melia wished Khabeishvili luck in leading the party and congratulated him on his win. "Mikheil Saakashvili remains a personal captive of the Russian dictatorship," Melia said, adding that he would not leave the party until then. Considering that the country has political prisoners and the political direction of Georgia, under the current leadership, is firmly turning towards the Russian orbit, Nika Melia said it is impossible to declare anyone a winner or a loser in these elections.