PACE Adopts Resolution Calling for New Elections in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 30, 2025
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has passed a resolution addressing the political situation in Georgia, calling for an early parliamentary election and the release of political prisoners.
A total of 114 delegates voted in favor of the resolution, while 13 opposed it and 7 abstained.
The resolution highlights ongoing democratic concerns in Georgia, including reported violations during the most recent parliamentary elections. Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica, the resolution's rapporteur from Latvia, expressed strong concerns over the country's trajectory.
"Georgia's democratic backsliding is progressing at an unprecedented pace," she stated.
The growing concerns over democratic standards led to the challenge of the credentials of the Georgian delegation at the beginning of PACE's winter session. The delegation, composed entirely of members from the Georgian Dream party, faced scrutiny over governance practices and electoral integrity.
Despite the challenges, PACE ultimately chose to recognize the credentials of the Georgian delegation for the current session but imposed certain restrictions. The resolution sets forth a series of conditions that Georgia must meet by the next session in April, including:
- Initiating a transparent and democratic electoral process
- Releasing all political prisoners
- Returning to a path of European integration
- Investigating police violence against protesters
- Repealing the foreign influence law
These measures are seen as crucial for ensuring Georgia's continued commitment to democratic principles and its alignment with European values.
The resolution has intensified tensions between PACE and the Georgian Dream government, which has repeatedly dismissed criticisms from European institutions.
