Labor Party Leader to Run for Presidency in 2005

Leader of the Georgian Labor Party Shalva Natelashvili officially announced on October 17 for the first time that he would run for presidential election in 2005.

The party gained 25% of votes in Tbilisi in the June 2, 2002 local self governance elections. “Dismantling Shevardnadze’s Regime” – was the slogan of the Labor Party during the local elections.

The Labor Party with its strong socialist stance supports free health care, education and social services. Thus, the party’s ideas are particularly appealing to the elderly.

Eduard Shevardnadze’s presidential term expires in 2005. Shevardnadze reiterated on October 15 that he will not run for presidency for the third term.