Levan Bezhashvili, head of the State Audit Service, filed for resignation on July 23 citing his desire to stand beside and help disaster-hit locals of the Kakheti region.

The move has further fueled speculation that Bezhashvili may be named as ruling party’s majoritarian MP candidate in one of Kakheti region’s single-mandate constituencies; Bezhashvili, however, declined to comment on the issue.

Bezhashvili was approved by the Parliament as head of the State Audit Service (formerly Chamber of Control) in July 2008.

Before becoming head of the State Audit Service, Bezhashvili served for five months in 2008 as governor of Kakheti region.

Chairman of the State Audit Service is elected by the Parliament for a five-year term.

The State Audit Agency gained additional powers starting from this year after the agency was tasked with monitoring political parties’ finances and donations.

It is not yet clear who will replace Bezhashvili on the post of head of the State Audit Agency.

“I believe that at this time of difficulty it is my obligation to stand beside by residents of Kakheti region and help them in relief efforts… so I have decided to quit this comfortable high post in Tbilisi,” Bezhashvili said on July 23.