Public Defender concerned with ‘extremely tense situation’ in Zugdidi

Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria has recently stated that she is “actively following” pre-election developments in Georgia and is concerned by the “extremely tense situation” in Zugdidi, the country’s west.

Lomjaria hoped that the voters’ right to vote in a safe and free environment will not be threatened.

It is an utmost important principle of democratic and law-based state to conduct elections in free, equal and peaceful environment”, Lomjaria said in her recent Facebook post.

She also stressed that the reports on various forms of violent incidents, clashes among the parties, as well as allegations of influencing on voters will and possible vote-buying “negatively affect on the peaceful conduct of elections.”

Based on the information released by international organisations, different political forces are planning to mobilise supporters in Zugdidi on Election Day, May 19, which increases the risks of further aggravating the current situation”, Lomjaria said.

She called on everyone involved in election process “to support peaceful and safe conduct” of tomorrow’s by-elections, including through prevention of violence.

• Read also: May 19 by-elections in Tbilisi and regions: appeals, demands, situation for now

The Georgian Public Defender also called on law enforcers to ensure “objective, timely, effective and relevant investigation” of any offence and to timely inform the population of the result of investigations.

Polls will open at 410 polling stations in Georgia, as the 402,091 registered voters are electing one parliament member, five mayors and members of eight city councils (Sakrebulo) across the country tomorrow, May 19.