**Election Report Shows Serious Concerns in Georgia**
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has released its final report on the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia. The report says that while the elections were “well-administered,” they took place amidst serious concerns about fundamental freedoms, civil society, and institutional independence.
**Uneven Playing Field**
The report notes that the ruling party had a significant financial advantage over its competitors, making it difficult for other parties to campaign freely. This uneven playing field was one of several issues that compromised the integrity of the elections.
**Problems on Election Day**
On election day, there were frequent compromises to vote secrecy, procedural inconsistencies, and reports of pressure and intimidation. ODIHR observers noted that voters felt pressured, and some polling stations were overcrowded. In addition, there were cases where vote secrecy was potentially compromised due to the way ballots were inserted into ballot boxes.
**Post-Election Issues**
After the elections, citizen observer organizations and the opposition claimed that irregularities such as voter intimidation, vote buying, and foreign interference had taken place. However, most complaints filed by parties and observers were dismissed by election commissions after limited investigation.
**Recommendations**
ODIHR has made several priority recommendations to improve future elections in Georgia, including preventing voter intimidation, undertaking a comprehensive legislative review, revising the appointment process for election commission members, and ensuring vote secrecy through procedural safeguards.
**Next Steps**
The report emphasizes that ODIHR does not recognize or endorse elections. Instead, it provides a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on universal principles and international obligations. ODIHR is ready to assist in addressing post-election concerns and working to improve future elections by addressing its recommendations.