by Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi, exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
Irakly Okruashvili, ex-minister of the interior, defense and ex-prosecutor general during ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili's government, was registered in Gori as a candidate for mayor on Sunday. He has been returning to power since November 20, 2012, having spent five years in "exile" in Paris for being an opponent of Saakashvili. He was charged with racketeering.
He needs to comply with the residence qualification of two years in order to be elected to any municipal post. Malkhaz Miruashvili, local electoral chief, registered him, breaking the law. A candidate may be protested within 24 hours after registering. Okruashvili has an opportunity to stand for mayor as neither a member of the ruling coalition, nor the United National Movement.
He is undeniably trying to use the opportunity to fully return to politics. Okruashvili's contacts with the law enforcers, vigor and oratory skills may help him realize Saakashvili's scenario, in other words, use a small post to reach the top level of power, the way it had happened in the 2003 Rose Revolution.
