Joe Wilson, the Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, issued a statement to the U.S. State Department on October 27, calling for an investigation into the allegations of fraud in the October 26 Georgian Parliamentary elections and Russian interference.
The Chair says: “I’m troubled by credible allegations of systematic violation in the Georgian Parliamentary Election. I am also concerned by the well documented efforts of Russia to influence the election. As such, I urge the U.S. Department of State, to carefully examine the accusations of fraud and, if it is determined that this was the case, make a clear declaration to that effect.
The statement notes that “the Georgians deserve a government who listens to their voices and respects them” and that the MEGOBARI Act, which was initiated in the US Congress, “will seek punishment for those who undermine democracy in Georgia and will support the people in Georgia in their quest to freedom and strengthened sovereignty.”
In May, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Rep. Wilson, Ranking member Rep. Steve Cohen, Commissioner Rep. Richard Hudson, and Commissioner Rep. Marc Veasey, (TX-33) presented the bipartisan Mobilizing & Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, & Independence (MEGOBARI). This legislation aims at boosting democratic practices, human right, and rule of law in Georgia. It also reaffirms the United States commitment to support Georgia’s EuroAtlantic Integration and countering authoritarian regimes such as Russia. The bill passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee bipartisan and is now awaiting passage by the House of Representatives.
Read More @ civil.ge