 However, Jonathan Wheatley characterises Shevardnadze's policy towards Kvemo-Kartli as "benign neglect", pursued through "patron-client linkages" and weak efforts to integrate ethnic minorities with the rest of the country.In 1995, Shevardnadze appointed Levan Mamaladze governor of the province of Kvemo-Kartli, even though the governor's duties were never clearly outlined in the legislature at the time.Mamaladze reportedly used his power to secure ethnic Azeri votes for Shevardnadze and his political party and tolerated corruption in the region.