All violations observed should be investigated – stated the statement by the Chairman, David McAllister of the Committee on Foreign Relations, European Parliament, Nils Ushakovs and Sergey Lagodinsky, Chairman of Delegation, Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.
As stated in the statement, the Georgian parliamentary elections were held on 26 October “after a highly charged and polarized election campaign and amid concerns about the country’s democratic decline.”
“The Georgian people has once again demonstrated its activism and commitment towards democracy, not only through exercising their right of vote in large numbers but also by actively taking part in election observation and reporting violations.”
“According to the preliminary findings of the international observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which included the European Parliament’s observation mission, these elections were held against the background of reports of voter pressure, an uneven environment, a polarized media environment and political instrumentalization,” the MEPs said.
The MEPs point out that international observers have observed a number of violations, including violence, bribery, double voting, the expulsion of media representatives, observers, and voters, as well as intimidation inside and outside of polling stations.
“All reported violations should be investigated and dealt with promptly, in accordance to the appropriate complaints and appellation procedures.” This is a pivotal moment for Georgia. This is the country’s first election since it became a candidate for the European Union, in 2023. The process was de facto stopped by the adoption the “Foreign Agents Law”. The Georgian people have repeatedly stated that they want to see a democratic Georgia within the European Union. We hope the post-election phase will be peaceful and democratic and that immediate steps will taken to return Georgia back to the EU, meeting the aspirations Georgians. We will continue to follow developments in Georgia, and support efforts to improve democratic institutions for free and fair elections and to promote the rule of law. We are prepared to assist Georgia, which is going though this critical phase, and work to ensure that a democratic and prosperous future for all of its citizens,” note the MEPs.
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