The mayor is elected to a four-year term and is responsible for the administration of city government.

The Tbilisi City Assembly is a unicameral body consisting of 50 members, selected through a mixed electoral system, normally for four-year terms.

The remaining 25 members are chosen by political parties and are apportioned according to their support citywide.

In the Middle Ages, the ruler of Tbilisi - Mourav, was personally appointed by the king, which also indicated the uniqueness of his political status.

The latter was abolished by order of January 4, 1992, and after the Civil War, power was transferred to the temporary special representatives of the Military Council of the Republic of Georgia.