On November 11, former Georgian high-ranking state and political officials, including two speakers of parliament, a prime-minister, cabinet ministers, former ambassadors, former members of Constitutional and Supreme Courts as well as civil society movements, artistic and scientific circles, professional associations, and think-tanks, along with their representatives, issued a statement to the leaders in the United States, United Kingdom, and EU member countries.
They claim that Georgian independence and sovereignty are under “existential threats” following the October 26 elections. The Georgian people were denied their fundamental right to elect their government due to “systemic electoral fraud”. They cite the reports of international observers of irregularities that were noted during the election, including those that were confirmed by local civil societies organizations as not meeting the standards of fair and free elections.
They also mention that the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the Chairs Foreign Relations Committees in the EU Member State Parliaments are concerned about the current situation of Georgia, they condemn the electoral fraud and they call for international engagement in order to ensure the protection and accountability of democratic norms in Georgia.
“We believe the recognition of the election results will be a harbinger for the final failure of Georgian democracy and its pro-Western path. The country is likely to take an irreversible authoritarian path and lose its Euro-Atlantic integration prospects. The failure of democracy is directly equivalent to its defeat throughout the region. It is also a defeat for the West in its fight against authoritarian regimes.
They also note that, at this “critical time”, recognizing the results would be tantamount in a sense to ceding Georgia’s sovereignty to Russia. They urge the U.S. and European leaders, who do not consider these elections to be legitimate, to express solidarity with the Georgians and to do everything possible to protect their right to vote in elections. They ask foreign leaders to demand the following from the Georgian government.
* To publish the electoral protocols
* To conduct a global investigation into election fraud and irregularities
* Hold new elections with an “electoral administration” that has been “structurally altered”, and to protect the right of Georgians, who are free to express themselves.
“We urge you stand with Georgia in its fight to preserve democratic freedoms, principles and a future that is based on shared value,” they conclude. They thank all the friends of Georgia for their support during the last three decades of Georgia’s independence.
Nearly 200 people have signed the statement, which was initiated by “Vote for Democracy” and “Culture for Democracy”. The statement is still open for new signatories.
The original version is in Georgian.
Also Read:
* 07/11/2024: Macron, Scholz, and Tusk: No EU Accession talks unless Georgia reverses its current course
* 06/11/2024: Georgia’s Elections – Death by Dozen Daggers
* 06/11/2024: TV Pirveli Investigates Alleged Schemes for Voter Pressure, Vote-Buying, and Carousels
* 02/11/2024: How much fraud is too much fraud?
* 10/10/2024 Weimar Triangle FMs Reaffirm Their Support for Georgian People and Deplore the Government’s actions
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