NDI releases report assessment on Georgia

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election delegation made a statement on June 29. The institute outlined that the delegation’s purpose was to accurately and impartially assess the country's electoral preparedness in advance of the October parliamentary elections; review the broader political environment; examine factors that could affect the electoral process; and offer recommendations.

Compared to some other research and statements made inside the state recently (UN special rapporteur, Maina Kiai’s research and assessments, for example), NDI‘s report can not be considered as a strict and demanding one. However, all those problems which have been pushed forward by different polls have also been emphasized by the organization.

The statement reads that many positive changes have been carried out in the law providing a better election environment. Based on the organization amendments to the electoral code adopted in late 2011 and early 2012, addressed many of the concerns raised by the international community and domestic election monitors while leaving others unaddressed.

“The new law has not responded to the suggestions of relevant international bodies to redraw electoral districts to make them more equal. Currently, the number of voters in a single district can vary from 6,000 to 158,000, meaning that votes are weighed unequally.”

Changes regarding Must Carry have also been taken as a positive step. However, at the same time, the institute recommends “continuing Must Carry through the announcement of election results.”

The statement also concerned the leader of the opposition coalition Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The statement reads that Ivanishvili's Georgian citizenship was revoked after his coming to the political arena. NDI also underscored the fact that a great many people questioned by the organization supported reinstatement of the billionaire businessman’s citizenship. “Following unsuccessful appeals to have his citizenship restored, the Parliament passed a constitutional amendment making it possible for him to run for elective office. However, Mr. Ivanishvili has so far rejected this constitutional remedy,” NDI reports, and stresses that there is no collaboration or consensus between oppositional and governmental forces. “Political leaders should continuously renounce and condemn the use of violence by their supporters and urge cooperation with authorities to investigate incidents,” NDI stated.

NDI focused on fully transparently and objectively investigating reports of the misuse of state resources and of the intimidation of voters, candidates and activists and feel they need to hold individuals accountable for violations.

The institute also appealed to the monitoring service of the Chamber of Control to establish, publish and follow transparent, consistent and fair procedures, including public access to relevant information related to the investigation (monitoring). They also encourage that they ensure that all investigation (monitoring) are thorough and impartial. Staff should avoid making press statements during the monitoring process. “Moreover, the procedures should include the guidelines for prioritizing which cases are to be monitored,” NDI states. As for media outreach, NDI has recommended to avoid perceptions of partisanship by providing clear, understandable information about its activities and operate more transparently.

As the chair of the NGO Fair Elections, Nino Lomjaria suggests that the segment concerning the Chamber of Control was stricter compared to other assessments. “In general, the statement was not strict and I waited for such a tone. NDI tries to keep neutrality and avoids strict assessments,” Lomjaria said and outlined that NDI seriously supports local NGOs. “For example, our monitoring mission is fully supported by NDI during the pre-election campaigning period.” Lomjaria mentioned.