**Tense Election Environment in Georgia, Says PACE Report**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has released its election observation report on Georgia’s October 26 elections. The report finds that the election environment was “tense” with widespread voter pressure, procedural violations, and compromised secrecy.
**Pre-Election Concerns**
Before the elections, PACE observed increased political polarization in Georgia. The ruling Georgian Dream party’s rhetoric calling for a constitutional majority to ban opposition parties was seen as undermining political pluralism and Council of Europe commitments.
**Election Day Issues**
On election day, PACE deployed 500 international short-term observers to nearly 2,000 polling stations across Georgia. While the voting process inside polling stations was generally well-organized, observers reported widespread reports of intimidation, particularly in rural areas.
**Concerns about Election Integrity**
PACE observed instances of ruling party strongmen intimidating voters outside polling stations, cameras compromising voting secrecy, and irregularities such as vote-buying and procedural inconsistencies during counting. The report also highlighted a pervasive atmosphere of control and surveillance.
**Recommendations for Improvement**
PACE called on the Georgian authorities to address critical shortcomings in the electoral framework to align with European standards. Recommendations included restoring the credibility and impartiality of state institutions, conducting a comprehensive review of the electoral framework, and strengthening regulations on administrative resource misuse and campaign finance oversight.
**International Response**
The Council of Europe and its Secretary General were urged to support Georgia’s democratic development through dialogue, technical assistance, and monitoring. The Georgian authorities were called upon to demonstrate political will to restore trust and uphold democratic principles.
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