2013-08-04 To nominate a candidate for the upcoming October 27, 2013 elections, the United National Movement held primary elections in six cities of Georgia. Even though it was mostly an internal matter of the political party, it was part of the pre-election campaign as well. Primary in Batumi was held amid aggressive counter rallies. We welcome the fact that law enforcement officers were mobilized. Notably, the police was able to protect participants from aggressive actions of protesters by means of setting up special cordons. Several protesters were arrested and imposed with a fine by court. Notably, the Prime Minister, the Interior Minister and other officials made statements urging rally organizers and perpetrators of violence to exercise their freedom of expression peacefully, in a non-violent manner.