Georgian Dream calls for peace before run-off election

The Georgian Dream coalition is urging all election players to abstain from "premature statements” and let the appropriate Government officials and election authorities investigate alleged violations that took place during the June 15 voting.

"As Georgian citizens prepare to vote in the municipal election run-off, various groups, including United National Movement (UNM), have begun spreading unsubstantiated or false allegations accusing the Government of electoral fraud and failure to ensure the smooth conduct of the poll,” read the coalition’s written statement.

"In reality, Georgia’s Interior Ministry has launched investigations into these cases and identified potential unlawful behavior by individual unaffiliated with the Government or the Georgian Dream Party.”

The ruling party said it commended the Interior Ministry and the Central Election Commission (CEC) for carrying out their duties in the face of irresponsible behavior by some involved in the election.

"Despite challenges, those trusted with ensuring free and fair elections have done so admirably, as recognized by both domestic and international election observers,” the party said.

The party noted the Interior Ministry had charged 13 people for unlawful ballot-stuffing at two polling stations in Marneuli.

Police said the illegal act of ballot-stuffing was carried out by representatives of different political parties, including UNM supporters.

As a result, the CEC annulled the June 15 election results at a number of problematic districts and appointed a repeat vote at 14 polling stations, which was held yesterday.

"In addition, Courts and the Central Election Commissions have dismissed accusations that 80 UNM candidates across Georgia were forced to withdraw from the electoral race due to intimidation and pressure from local authorities,” Georgian Dream authorities said.

"Respective legal authorities have investigated reports and dismissed 76 complaints as unfounded. Four cases of possible violations are currently under investigation.”

Georgian Dream ended its statement by saying those who break the law, regardless of political affiliation, must be punished.