The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission issued its interim report (EOM) on October 11 assessing the electoral environment and related developments leading up to the October 26 parliamentary election. According to the report, “the elections are taking place in a context of entrenched polarization and political tensions, continued distrust of state institutions, and concerns over protection of the right of association and expression.”
The report notes that the campaign messaging is “highly polarized”. Some ODIHR EOM Interlocutors raised concerns “related intimidation tactics allegedly targeted against their campaign activities as well as voters by ruling party supporters and state authorities.”
The report also notes “the ruling party has presented the elections as an opportunity to choose between peace and war while most opposition parties present them as a referendum about the country‘s geopolitical situation.”
The report states that while many of the ODIHR EOM’s interlocutors expressed confidence in the technical and organizational capabilities of the election administration, “some interlocutors voiced concerns that the simplified process of decision-making of the CEC, removal of the deputy chairperson appointed by the opposition, and the new method of appointment of its members could negatively impact the neutrality of the electoral administration.”
The report states that the Election Code has undergone over 20 amendments since the last parliamentary election. While the 2022 and the 2023 amendments were a result of public discussions, and addressed a number of previous ODIHR suggestions (although they did not provide a comprehensive reform), the 2024 changes came about without adequate public consultation or consensus and raised concerns over their impact. The report also notes that several ODIHR recommendation remain outstanding. “These include those related to impartiality in election administration, misuse administrative resources, campaign finance and campaign regulations, media-related campaign regulation, and strengthening of the framework for electoral disputes resolution.”
The report also mentions that some stakeholders are concerned about the ability of the Precint Eleciton Commissions to manage the doubled number of voters registered per polling station since the last election. Another concern is the “need for further transparent auditing and voter education in order to correct misconceptions that these devices could be used to breach the secrecy of votes.”
The report also mentions the voters’ list. The report states that most ODIHR EOM interviewees did not express significant concerns regarding the inclusiveness of voter lists. However, “some noted inaccuracies mainly arising from the presence of deceased voters or citizens de facto residing overseas on the list.”
According to the report the election administration and courts have received 120 complaints so far, mainly regarding the appointment of lower level members of the electoral commission, misuse of administrative resources, and violations of campaign regulations. The majority of complaints were dismissed based on their substance. The report states that “several ODIHR EOM Interlocutors noted a lack of trust in law enforcement, election administration, and the judiciary’s ability to examine and adjudicate political sensitive matters effectively and impartially.”
The report states that, as of October 10th, the CEC had accredit 68 civil observers organizations with 2,602 observer and 51 international observers groups with 512 observer. The report notes that several CSOs began long-term monitoring activities and “many reported a more challenging working environment because of their public stigmatization after the adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.”
The report highlights that women’s representation is still low in elected positions, and specifically mentions the 2024 amendments which abolished the mandatory gender-quota.
Also Read:
* 09/10/2024: October Elections: Odds and Context
* 08/10/2024- President Announces Platform for Coordination to Monitor Elections and Calls for Voter Mobilization
* 12/09/2024 – OSCE/ODIHR Launches Election Observation Mission
* 08/08/2024 – “Omi Ginda? “Ruling Party Campaign Dares Georgians To “Vote for War”.
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