On 19 September, Nika Sakandelidze, the majoritarian candidate of the political party Third Force - Strategy Builder in Ianeti-Bashi, was pressured and threatened. He was illegally deprived of his liberty and he was forced to withdraw his candidacy on the basis of his own statement. Threats were also made against Sakandelidze`s family. He was questioned by the police about the incident.

According to the party representatives, the news about Sakandelidze`s withdrawal from the race was aired on Imedi TV before the relevant application was registered with the DEC, which raises additional questions.