OSCE/ODIHR Report Highlights Polarization and Concerns Ahead of October 26 Parliamentary Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 14, 2024
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission (EOM) released an interim report on October 11, evaluating the election environment leading up to the October 26 parliamentary elections. The report highlights the deep political polarization and tensions, along with concerns from opposition parties regarding state institutions and the protection of fundamental rights, such as association and expression.
The report points to a "highly polarized" campaign atmosphere, with some EOM contacts reporting alleged intimidation tactics by ruling party supporters and state authorities against their campaign activities and voters. Additionally, the ruling party has framed the election as a choice between peace and war, while most opposition parties present it as a referendum on the country's geopolitical stance.
While many of the EOM's interlocutors trust the election administration's technical and organizational capabilities, concerns have been raised about the impartiality of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Specifically, the simplified decision-making process, the removal of the opposition-appointed deputy chairperson, and the recent changes in appointment methods have sparked worries about the election administration's neutrality.
Since the last parliamentary elections, the Election Code has undergone over 20 amendments. The report acknowledges that while the 2022 and 2023 amendments were publicly discussed and addressed some previous recommendations, the 2024 changes lacked sufficient public consultation. The absence of consensus has raised concerns about their potential impact, with several ODIHR recommendations remaining unaddressed, including those related to campaign finance, misuse of administrative resources, media regulations, and the impartiality of the election administration.
The report also raises concerns about the capacity of Precinct Election Commissions (PECs) to handle the increased number of registered voters per polling station, which has doubled since the last election. There is also a need for transparent auditing of voting technology and enhanced voter education to dispel fears about breaches of vote secrecy.
On the issue of voter lists, most ODIHR interlocutors did not report significant concerns, although some noted inaccuracies, including the presence of deceased voters and citizens living abroad.
So far, election administration and courts have handled about 120 complaints, mostly related to lower-level commission appointments, misuse of administrative resources, and violations of campaign rules. Many complaints were dismissed, and concerns have been raised about the ability of law enforcement, the judiciary, and the election administration to impartially handle politically sensitive matters.
Regarding observers, as of October 10, the CEC had accredited 68 civil observer organizations with 2,602 observers and 51 international observer groups with 512 observers. Some civil society organizations (CSOs) involved in long-term election monitoring noted a more challenging environment following the enactment of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.
Lastly, the report points out that women's representation in elected positions remains low, particularly following the 2024 amendments that abolished the mandatory gender quota.
