**Election Process in Georgia Questioned**
A report on the 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election outcomes. The International Republican Institute (IRI) mission found that the process was severely damaged by several factors.
**Violations and Manipulation**
The IRI mission observed large-scale violations during the pre-election period and election day. These included coercive tactics, manipulation of results, and dishonest actions on election day. Voters were pressured, surveilled, and their ballot secrecy was violated.
**Lack of Trust**
Widespread public distrust and rejection of the results raise questions about the legitimacy of the election outcomes. The IRI mission emphasizes that trust in institutions and the electoral process is necessary for a country’s democracy to be stable and legitimate.
**Need for Reforms**
The IRI mission calls on the Georgian government to address the problematic issues related to the legitimacy of the government. This includes prioritizing reforms that strengthen the independence of the electoral administration, law enforcement agencies, and judiciary. The report concludes that addressing these challenges is critical for Georgia’s democratic progress and closer integration with Europe.
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