May 25, 2016 - 15:55 AMT
Ex-President Saakashvili to take part in Georgian parliamentary elections

Former Georgian President, Governor of Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast Mikheil Saakashvili announced his intention to return to Georgia and actively engage in the process of the parliamentary elections there.

Speaking on Georgia’s Rustavi TV, Saakashvili gave few details.

"Let no one perceive this as a threat; I intend to return to Georgia and to participate in political processes there,” Saakashvili said.

Parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia on October 8, 2016. The ruling Georgian Dream coalition, led by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, will seek re-election for a second term in office. Opposition parties that have confirmed their intention to challenge the incumbents include the former ruling party, the United National Movement led by Saakashvili, the Free Democrats—formerly a member of the Georgian Dream coalition, and the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia.