The EU urged Georgia to urgently conduct an investigation into the preparation and conduct of parliamentary elections, eliminate them and start an inclusive dialogue from the entire political spectrum.
This is stated in the statement of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the European Commission.
“The EU is closely monitoring the events preceding the parliamentary elections. In recent months, the people of Georgia have demonstrated their commitment to democratic values and their country’s path to the EU,” the statement said.
Borrell and the European Commission noted that, according to the preliminary findings of the International Election Observation Mission led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), “the election day was generally procedurally well organized and conducted in an orderly manner, but was marked by a tense atmosphere, with frequent compromises regarding the secrecy of the vote and several procedural irregularities, as well as reports of voter intimidation and pressure, which negatively affected public confidence in the process. Reports of voter pressure, particularly on public sector employees, remained widespread during the campaign. This, combined with extensive voter tracking on Election Day, has raised concerns about the ability of some voters to cast their ballots without fear of retaliation.”
Further, the High Representative and the EC continued that “election observers report an uneven playing field, a divisive campaign in a polarized atmosphere and considerable concern about the impact of recent legislative amendments on this electoral process.”
In this regard, Borrell and the European Commission called on the Central Election Commission of Georgia and other relevant bodies to “fulfill their duty” regarding a quick, transparent and independent investigation and review of election violations and allegations. “These violations must be clarified and eliminated. This is a necessary step to restore confidence in the electoral process. The EU looks forward to the final OSCE/ODIHR report and recommendations, which should be implemented as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The High Representative and the European Commission stated that a constructive and inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum is now of paramount importance. “According to the conclusions of the European Council dated October 17, the EU calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms in accordance with the main principles of European integration. In this context, the EU reminds that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and contradicts the values and principles on which the EU is based must be repealed,” Borrell and the EC said.
