On 18 September, one of the leaders of the United National Movement opposition (UNM) Nika Melia said that one of the most influential former figures of the party, former Interior and Prime Minister of Georgia, Vano Merabishvili, would not be on the UNM’s party list for the October 31 parliamentary elections, stating that Merabishvili has no “moral right” to be in politics, reported agenda.ge.   

Melia told TV Pirveli that he wouldn’t remain in the party if Merabishvili joins. He praised Merabishvili’s anti-criminal efforts while in politics but added that many of his actions were ‘unconstitutional’. Melia believes that this played a role in the defeat of the UNM back in the 2012 parliamentary elections. He said that Merabishvili should have resigned and left politics following the brutal murder of Sandro Girgvliani in 2006, which involved Merabishvili and his wife. 

To note, Merabishvili was released from prison on 20 February after serving almost 7 years. He stated after leaving prison that he would return to politics. He also emphasised that many of his party colleagues are now in different political parties, but that the opposition is united around key demands and that he would talk to each of them individually. He also stated that by the end of the year the Georgian Dream government would be overthrown and the Matrosovi prison gate would be open wide for political prisoners (Caucasus Watch reported).