Pascal Allizard (a French senator and Special Coordinator for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) said at a press conference in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Sunday that vote-buying and “imbalances in finances, a divisive atmosphere during the campaign and recent legislative changes were of great concern throughout this electoral process.”
The OSCE Special Coordinator said that when voter registration took place on the day of the election, it raised concerns about how some voters would be able to cast their votes without fearing intimidation or retaliation.
He also explains that the preparations and elections for voting were well managed.
“Our joint assessment is based on an assessment obtained from the observation carried out on the day of voting, accompanied by results of ODIHR’s qualitative and long-term monitoring.
“I would like you to know the conclusions and findings of our joint international monitoring mission. Everyone will have access to our full application. The parliamentary elections of 26 October offered voters a wide variety of choices with 18 candidates, as well polarization and a climate heavily influenced by new legislation. It should be noted, however, that candidates were able to campaign with freedom, but the rhetoric and imagery used in the campaign were largely divisive. During the campaign, pressure was put on voters, civil service workers and those employed in the public sector. The registration of voters on the day of voting raised concerns about how some voters would be able to vote without fear and intimidation.
The legal framework was adequate for democratic elections. However, the frequent and recent changes raise questions about its use for political survival. The voting and preparations for the elections were well managed. Here, it is important to note that voters were actively educated about the use of modern technologies. The significant imbalance of financial resources, and the dominance by the party in power, already created an unequal space for action. The polarized media landscape and the use of private media outlets to spread political propaganda impacted unbiased coverage. This hindered voters’ ability make informed decisions. Limited enforcement undermined the effectiveness of campaign finance supervision, and there was still suspicion of political instrumentalization and doubts regarding its impartiality. Pascal Allizard said that the underrepresentation in party lists and campaign shows that more needs to be done to better involve women in politics.
Around 500 monitors were deployed by the joint OSCE, European Parliament and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, in the country.
Image: IPN
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