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The Georgian government are now openly using state monies to boost the re-election campaign of Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava.

The current edition of "Georgia Update", the government's official newsletter for an international audience states: In May, for the first time, residents of Tbilisi will vote directly for their mayor. Until now, the mayor was elected by the members of the city council; President Saakashvili proposed the direct ballot last autumn as a way to further strengthen Georgia’s democracy. If recent polls are any indication, the current mayor, Gigi Ugulava, enters the campaign in a strong position. Last week, the International Republican Institute (IRI) released its latest survey of Tbilisi public opinion. The USAID-sponsored poll, conducted last November and December, found that 67 percent of city residents believe the general situation in Tbilisi has improved over the past four years. Ugulava is given high marks by Tbilisi residents for improving the general welfare of the city, fixing its roads and its buildings, and improving the educational system. The survey also found that unemployment ranks as the top issue concerning residents and job creation is a high priority.