Germany, Latvia confirm transparency and fairness of Georgia’s elections

Germany and Latvia are congratulating Georgia on "the successful first round of its Parliamentary Elections”.

Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier released a statement yesterday congratulating Georgia on hosting open and fair Parliamentary Elections, noting this was a test of democracy for the country.

Georgia has once again demonstrated maturity and functionality of its young democracy,” said Steinmeier.

The Foreign Minister noted international observers agreed the elections were carried out transparently and fairly in Georgia.

According to the judgment of international observers including the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Europe, the elections were well organised and have almost met our European standards of fairness and transparency everywhere,” he added.

Steinmeier noted high international standards must be maintained for the runoff elections.

Georgian voters have clearly shown they continue to endorse a determined policy of rapprochement with Europe and the associated reforms in a large majority.

I am looking forward to the second round of Parliamentary Elections and the subsequent formation of a government with the new Georgian government confidently closely and proven,” Steinmeier said.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia also commended Georgia on hosting the Parliamentary Elections in Georgia, for the fact that "a democratic process was ensured, the elections were well-administered, political competition was present, and fundamental freedoms were observed”.

The Election Day was largely peaceful and the counting of votes is taking place in line with international standards,” said the Latvian Ministry's statement.

Ahead of the second round of elections, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for peace to continue and it urged all political parties to refrain from engaging in confrontation and to demonstrate respect for democratic principles and the will of the Georgian people.

Representatives from the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Election Commission all observed Saturday's elections in Georgia.

The statement also stressed Latvia would continue supporting the building of close relations between Georgia and the European Union, and Georgia and NATO.