President Giorgi Margvelashvili congratulated winners of the municipal elections and said that the June 15 local elections and the July 12 runoffs marked “a historic moment” for Georgia.

“This is a historic moment, which marks a genuine launch of development of political culture and local self-governance,” he said in a statement released before the midnight on Saturday. “With these elections our society has made yet another convincing step on the path of consolidation of democracy in the country, and has approached, as never before, to the modern international standards.”

“I want to congratulate new mayor of the capital city, Davit Narmania, on the election victory. I also congratulate on election victory those who have been chosen in each city and community.”

“These victory marks the end of elections and the launch of the major, essential stage: the process of everyday, tireless work for the country and the people. I want to wish success to all of them [elected local officials] on this road full of difficulties.”

“I wish the society, which has demonstrated high civic culture throughout the entire electoral process, final results of elections to prove themselves and wish the society further progress, unity, peace and wellbeing,” the President said.