Int'l Partners Assess Georgia's Parliamentary Elections
Georgia's international partners have assessed the country's parliamentary elections of October 31, expressing their opinions publicly through social media.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius congratulated the nation on conducting the parliamentary elections under the new electoral system, noting that there are still certain shortcomings that need to be addressed. He added that his country is ready to continue supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path.
"Lithuania congratulates Georgia on conducting the parliamentary elections under the new electoral system and reminds that further efforts to address shortcomings are needed. We hope for the continuation of important reforms & are ready to continue supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path," he tweeted.
"On 31 October 2020, the citizens of Georgia were participating in electing a new parliament, which will be responsible for key decisions in the country over the next four years. We welcome Georgia's reforming of the electoral system and conducting the election smoothly in the difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voter turnout (56%) shows that despite the pandemic, the people of Georgia care about the country’s future," stated the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"This weekend marks an important democratic milestone for the people of Georgia - congratulations! The government has been given the mandate to strengthen ties with the US, NATO & Western allies. Looking forward to continued cooperation between our nations in the years to come," General Philip M. Breedlove wrote on Twitter.
EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also commented on the parliamentary elections held in the country with a statement, noting that the elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected.
"Georgia held the first round of its 2020 Parliamentary elections on 31 October, under a revised electoral system and with high voter turnout, despite the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"According to the joint statement of preliminary findings and conclusions of the international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE, Council of Europe and NATO, the elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected.
"The observers noted, however, that the conduct of the elections was impacted by pervasive allegations of pressure on voters and blurring of the line between the ruling party and the state throughout the campaign and on election day, reducing public confidence in some aspects of the process.
"Ensuring the highest democratic standards throughout the entire electoral process, including during the second round, remains key, as well as fair, transparent and rigorous handling of all complaints and appeals. It is important that all parties continue to adhere to democratic principles and standards and respect for human rights. Ensuring conditions for a free and pluralistic media environment is extremely important including to allow voters to make a fully informed choice. The European Union will remain very attentive to developments during the remainder of the electoral period and in particular on the day of the second round.
"The revised legal framework provided a sound basis for the holding of democratic elections. Recent legislative amendments partially addressed previous OSCE/ODIHR and Council of Europe/Venice Commission recommendations, however, although a number remain outstanding. It will be important to continue addressing shortcomings in the electoral framework, including the final recommendations of OSCE/ODIHR, through inclusive dialogue, after the second round on 21 November.
"The European Union stands by a democratic, stable, prosperous and inclusive Georgia and continues to support Georgia’s process of political association and economic integration with the EU as per its Association Agreement," the statement read.
The European Delegation to Georgia also published a video depicting remarks and findings of its diplomatic watch teams that observed the election process.
The joint post-election statement was released on November 1 as a result of a common endeavor on part of the ODIHR LEOM, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The joint statement read: “The elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected. Nevertheless, pervasive allegations of pressure on voters and blurring of the line between the ruling party and the state reduced public confidence in some aspects of the process”.
“In the limited number of polling stations visited, procedures were mostly followed, however, the excessive presence of party-affiliated observer groups, who at times interfered in the process, contributed to overcrowding.”
Observers critically assessed the alleged pressure on voters, intimidating atmosphere outside polling stations, the significantly unequal distribution of registered voters amongst the constituencies, issues with campaign financing, unaddressed ODIHR and CoE recommendations concerning certain areas in need of improvement, and more.
"Closely following Georgia's Elections. While competitive and generally free, regrettable to see cases of pressuring voters. Unequal access to administrative & particularly financial resources undermines democracy. Parties should remain calm & peaceful. EU stands with Georgian people!", MEP Viola von Cramon tweeted.
"We are concerned about signals on possible irregularities - intimidation, vote-buying, impunity for violence - and we are looking for more information from the EU delegation in Tbilisi", stated MEP Andrius Kubilius, Chair of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.
By Ana Dumbadze
Related Story: Intl’ Observers Issue Preliminary Conclusions