U.S. Helsinki Commission Warns of Georgia's Authoritarian Shift Ahead of Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 17, 2024
On October 16, 2024, leaders from the U.S. Helsinki Commission issued a statement expressing concerns over Georgia's upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26, warning of the country's authoritarian shift.
"Over the past several decades, the people of Georgia have demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law," the statement read. The commissioners emphasized that the Georgian government must ensure free and fair elections, monitored by independent observers, and provide space for political opposition, as it has done in the past. "The Georgian people deserve a government that respects their right to elect their own leaders democratically."
The commissioners voiced deep concerns about the country's "authoritarian trajectory," warning that it threatens Georgia's democratic future and its long-held aspirations for closer ties with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. "The government's authoritarian trajectory imperils Georgia's democratic future and its people's deep-seated Euro-Atlantic aspirations," the statement continued.
In recent months, the U.S. government has signaled its unease with developments in Georgia. In September, the State Department announced a series of sanctions targeting Georgian officials accused of undermining democracy and violating human rights. These measures reflect growing concern in Washington over the Georgian Dream party's tightening grip on power, its treatment of political opponents, and the weakening of democratic institutions.
The U.S. Helsinki Commission also highlighted the introduction of the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to support democratic reforms in Georgia. The act, which is making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives, underscores the U.S. commitment to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. "The bill reaffirms the United States' commitment to supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration and countering the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia," the commission noted.
The upcoming parliamentary elections are seen as a critical moment for Georgia's political future. The U.S. has called on the Georgian government to uphold its democratic commitments, warning that continued backsliding could strain its relations with Western partners. "The Georgian government must honor their obligations to their country and citizens by holding free and fair elections," the commissioners stated.
