Ministry of Foreign Affairs Invites OSCE/ODIHR Observers for 2024 Parliamentary Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, February 15, 2024
On February 12, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia sent a letter to Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), inviting observers to Georgia's upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections.
As mentioned in the letter from the Ministry, the government aims to conduct transparent, free, and fair elections, aligning with international standards and the best European democratic practices.
"Therefore, the Government of Georgia invites representatives from OSCE/ODIHR to observe the 2024 parliamentary elections in the country.
In the letter, it is emphasized that Georgia is ready to facilitate the effective performance of observers' duties.
February 2024 has been specified as the date for inviting observers in the government's plan to implement the recommendations of the European Commission," Foreign Ministry's statement reads.
A member of Parliament majority, Givi Mikanadze emphasized the Georgian government's commitment to transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections. He welcomed the inclusion of observation missions and stressed the use of new technologies, such as electronic voting machines, to enhance the integrity of the electoral process. Mikanadze also criticized opposition groups for potential sabotage attempts but expressed confidence in the security and protection of every citizen's vote.
"This once again demonstrates our willingness to open wide doors for observation missions. We welcome the arrival of missions and active participation in these processes. Unlike the United National Movement and its affiliates, we aim to hold these elections to the highest possible standard. These elections will be conducted with completely new means. This refers, first of all, to the use of electronic counters, in which 90% of our voters will participate in the country, and we are sure that all possibilities of speculation by radicals will be excluded as much as possible because they are always focused on sabotaging processes, causing damage, based on the sole goal," Mikanadze stated.
