The “Georgian Dream”, a political movement aimed at maintaining power, has brought the country to a state of internal crisis. It has also increased the risk of isolation from the democratic world.
According to the former head the Foreign Ministry, “Georgian Dream”, which received 42% of the vote in Tbilisi where almost half the population of Georgia lives, is “in the minority”.
“Local Monitoring Organizations, the President and the Opposition Parties claim that there was systematic violation during the election and they do not recognise the results.
In its interim report, OSCE/ODIHR’s main international observation mission that was prepared before the conclusion of the election process, there was only one positive comment: “The preparations for the elections were well managed, including intensive voter information regarding new technologies.”
He says: “10 negative ones and 10 positive ones.” He says:
The October 26 parliamentary election offered voters a wide range of 18 candidates. However, the polling day was marred by a growing polarization, fueled by concerns about the recent law, its impact on civil society and fundamental freedoms.
During the pre-election period, reports of pressure from voters and public sector employees did not decrease;
Some voters were concerned that, with the intensive voter registration on election day, they would not be allowed to vote without fear;
The legal framework is adequate for holding democratic elections. However, recent frequent legislative changes are a step in the wrong direction, raising concerns over the potential to use legislation for political gain.
The disparity of financial resources and the resulting incumbency exacerbated an already unfair playing field.
The polarized media and the instrumentalization by private media outlets of political propaganda had an adverse impact on news coverage. This prevented voters from making informed decisions;
The effectiveness of campaign financing oversight has been undermined due to limited enforcement, concerns about the impartiality of the oversight body and political instrumentalization.
The lack of women’s representation in political parties and the pre-election campaigns clearly shows that we need to intensify our efforts to ensure women’s participation in politics.
Election Day was generally well-organized and orderly. However, it was marked by tensions, frequent compromises in voting secrecy, and several cases of inconsistent procedure. There were also reports of voter intimidation, and pressure. This had a negative effect on public confidence.
The OSCE/ODIHR report indicates that the final assessment will be based in part on the remaining stages, such as the counting of votes, tallying of results and the announcement of those results, and the consideration of any pending complaints or lawsuits following the election.
The European Union and United States urge the Central Election Commission, as well as other relevant bodies, to investigate quickly and independently any allegations of election violations or fraud.
It is a known fact that the “Georgian Dream”, in order to maintain power:
– brought about a political crisis within the country;
– increased the risk of isolating the country from the world of democracy;
“He put the future of Georgia’s peaceful, European, democratic and safe development in grave danger,” Janelidze said.
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