GYLA releases second interim report on October Elections
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, October 13
On October 12th, a non-governmental organization Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) published the second interim report of the 2020 Parliamentary elections long-term observation mission, which reflects the facts of violations and occurrences of bad practice that were revealed in the month of September.
According to GYLA's statement enclosed to the report, within the framework of long-term observation missions, GYLA monitors pre-election processes in 9 regions, Tbilisi, Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti, Imereti, Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti.
According to the statement, occurrences of violence were frequent in September, “which became alarming during the violent confrontations in Bolnisi and Marneuli.” GYLA has also become aware of cases of threats and attacks on activists of opposition parties (National Movement, Lelo for Georgia, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Labour Party). "All of them contain signs of criminal offense," reads the statement.
On September 28th, a physical confrontation took place between the Georgian Dream and United National Movement activists in Bolnisi, which resulted in injuring 10 Georgian Dream Members. Also, on September 29th, at Marneuli District Election Commission another physical and verbal clash happened between Georgian Dream and UNM supporters. Later that day, a cameraman of Public Broadcaster, two journalists, and two cameramen of the main channel, who had arrived on the site to cover the news, were attacked and physically assaulted as well.
According to the statement, as in the previous reporting period, the facts of obstruction of pre-election campaign activities by the government have been revealed again, which, according to GYLA, is harmful to an equal electoral environment. The report also provides information about violating the requirements of electoral legislation by some municipalities.
Sulkhan Saladze, the chairman of the organization noted at the briefing yesterday that compared to the previous report of a long-term observation mission, which included the data gathered within a 3-month period (June, July, August), ñases of threatening and violence during the pre-election period has increased in September.
Overall, GYLA's observers have detected 1 case of bribing an elector, 11 cases of threatening and violence, 3 cases of obstructing party's pre-election campaign. An investigation has been launched into several cases, however, as Saladze noted, the organization considers that in some cases, the investigation might have been launched under the wrong article.
GYLA's report is funded by the Open Society Georgia Foundation. The organization proceeds to monitor the pre-election activities and collect data, which will be included in the November month report.
