Transparency International-Georgia expressed concern about the misuse by the government of administrative resources during the pre-election phase for the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26. The organization stressed that the blurred lines between the ruling party, and the state are a major issue.
In a statement, the organization states that the ruling party’s abuse of administrative resources is a major challenge for the upcoming election. They criticised actions such as the use public institutions for narrowly party purposes, legislative amendments that undermine democratic principles, and harassment against civil society and opposition representatives.
“The use administrative resources when the border between the government and the ruling party is virtually erased, is an important issue for the October 26th parliamentary elections.”
Transparency International identified a number of pre-election challenges including the negative impact of the “Russian Law” on the electoral climate, the use of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Communications Commission in order to intimidate critical media and the mobilization of government employees for ruling party’s campaigns.
“Despite massive protests and reactions of Western partners, the Government passed the ‘Russian Law’, which has affected election processes.”
The organization also criticised the changes made to the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) procedures and the introduction of “delegates”. Concerns were raised about the cancellation of the gender-quota and the expansion of powers for the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
“Changes in the electoral legislation that are not based on broad consensus can destabilize the process.”
Transparency International has also drawn attention to issues like violence against opposition representatives and the collection of personal information from civil servants.
“The ruling party candidates participated in budgetary actions, mobilized civil service for campaign events, spent public funds for the party purposes.”
The organization made recommendations, urging that the government ensure stability in electoral laws, investigate violent cases impartially, refrain from using public funds for narrow political gain, and refraining from using resources to achieve narrow political goals.
TI – Georgia stated that “Government bodies must refrain from implementing large-scale social programmes shortly before elections, as this can harm healthy competition among election subjects.”
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