IFES president: Georgia has a very proud tradition of democracy

William Sweeney, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has praised the pre-election environment in Georgia. 

He told Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze in Washington yesterday that he believes that the presidential candidates have all the opportunities to run their campaigns for the October 28 elections in a competing environment. 

Sweeney stated that he takes “great pride” in working in Georgia and will continue supporting the country.

I think that Georgia has a very proud tradition of democracy that encourages all citizens to have their voices heard and votes counted. The Central Election Commission of Georgia (CEC) has done an exceptional job in terms of meeting the customer experience of voting. 

Voters' time is not wasted. The records are accurate. The votes are counted accurately and fairly. It has been my pleasure of being in Georgia a number of times in working for the International

Foundation for Electoral Systems. We have a great partnership with CEC. We have admired the work and progress made by the CEC in the delivery of the right to vote as a public service in Georgia,” Sweeney stated. 

Bakhtadze thanked Sweeney for his contribution in the development of the culture of democracy in the country and expressed willingness to actively cooperate in future.

Bakhtadze vowed that the Georgian government will continue ensuring the free, democratic and transparent environment for presidential elections.