PACE Members Express Concerns Over Georgia's Upcoming Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 4, 2024
A group of 24 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has issued a written declaration expressing serious concerns about the pre-electoral environment in Georgia ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The declaration warns of "alarming developments" that suggest the ruling Georgian Dream party may be preparing to manipulate the election outcome.
The signatories highlight several issues, including widespread intimidation of opposition candidates and their supporters, with reports of physical attacks, threats to families, and the looting of opposition premises. They also express concern about efforts to undermine voter confidence, citing false claims that the government would know how individuals vote, leading to possible repercussions.
In addition, the declaration points to the suppression of national election observation groups through the misuse of anti-corruption legislation, as well as concerns over the recent control of the Central Election Commission by the ruling party. These actions, the declaration asserts, create an environment that makes it difficult to hold free and fair elections.
The PACE members call on Georgian authorities to reverse course and ensure a democratic electoral process. They stress the importance of international election observers, including those from PACE, to ensure that Georgian citizens can freely determine their future.
The declaration has been signed by representatives from various European countries and political groups, signaling broad concern over the situation in Georgia.
