MEPs, US senators assess local municipal elections in Georgia
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, October 7
Marina Kaljurand, Sven Mikser and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, MEPs who observed the October 2 local municipal elections in Georgia, have released a statement saying that the local municipal elections took place under a ‘substantially improved legal framework’ as voters were given a choice between a variety of political alternatives.
The statement reads that despite the extremely polarised political environment and challenging epidemiological situation, the first round of the local elections was competitive and well-managed. However, it is noted that the pre-election environment did not provide equal opportunities for the contesting parties and candidates and the main attention was diverted from local to national issues.
MEPs note that the elections were generally well administered and the candidates were able to campaign freely.
“The Election Day proceeded in an orderly and transparent manner, despite some procedural issues during the whole process. CEC sessions were opened to stakeholders and streamlined for the first time, which increased transparency,” reads the joint statement.
The statement also says that the pre-election campaign was characterised by intensified political and media polarization, which, in some cases resulted in a verbal and physical confrontation. MEPs underlined that violations that took place during the electoral campaign, such as misuse of public resources, intimidation against candidates and vote-buying, need to be investigated.
“The electoral legal framework needs to be further improved in view of future elections, taking into account pending recommendations by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission, notably when it comes to campaign financing, disputes resolution and the misuse of public resources. It is also necessary to address the underrepresentation of Georgian women in politics,” reads the statement.
Ahead of the upcoming second round of elections, MEPs call on all political parties to show responsibility and put their nation's interest above party interests.
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen has said that the Georgian October 2 municipal election day was ‘well-administered and peaceful,’ but added that elections are not only about election day itself. Stating that Georgian people deserve free and fair elections, she stressed that the Georgian government will not be able to avoid allegations of intimidation, vote-buying, and pressure on candidates and voters.
U.S. Senator Jim Risch has also released a statement, stressing that the elections were ‘a dramatic departure from the 2012’. Risch expresses disappointment over extensive reports of intimidation and vote-buying and urges the government of Georgia to address the issues highlighted by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, “particularly the violence seen during the election period, and the uneven playing field for those parties challenging the ruling party.”
