UNM opposition party has named Mamuka Chikovani as its candidate to run for Rustavi mayoral race in the June 15 local elections.

Chikovani, ex-deputy governor of the Kvemo Kartli region and ex-mayor of Rustavi, was UNM’s majoritarian MP candidate in Rustavi during 2012 parliamentary elections; at the time he garnered 41.17% of votes and was defeated by Zviad Dzidziguri of GD coalition.

GD has yet to name its candidate in Rustavi, where direct election of mayor will be held for the first time like in ten other towns on June 15.