NDI assesses pre-election environment

A group of international observers are in Georgia to assess the upcoming self-governmental elections in Georgia.

An international delegation organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) released a statement that weighed up the overall political environment ahead of the June 15 local elections.

It said Georgia continued to benefit from the fundamentals of democracy however there were concerns that could jeopardize those achievements if not addressed.

It said voters felt confidence in the results of the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections, which led to peaceful transfers of power and the overall political environment was characterized by pluralism and activism.

"As the June 15, 2014, local elections approach, the electoral administration appears equipped to support a credible process, and the legal framework, while still open to improvement, provides a solid foundation.

The Government has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring a fair and open campaign process. The Georgian people are to be commended for their contributions to these accomplishments."

On the other hand, it said "polarization” continued to be a problem where efforts to delegitimize and criminalize political adversaries were still commonplace.

"The line between state and party remains blurred. Allegations of politically-motivated harassment tarnish an otherwise vibrant political landscape. The responsibility now lies with Georgia’s officials and political leaders to set examples of impartial governance, constructive campaigning, defence of the rights of opponents and minorities, and respect for the country’s democratic institutions.”

The NDI has worked on political party development and democracy programs in Georgia since 1994.

From April 28 to May 1, a five-member delegation from the US-based observer group met with a wide range of people involved in the upcoming elections. This included candidates, parties, members of the Central Election Commission, the Prime Minister and other Government representatives, domestic and international observer groups, Members of Parliament, the media and members of civic society.

The organisation laid out its findings yesterday and mentioned its aim to accurately and impartially assess electoral preparations, review the broader political environment and examine factors that could affect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the June 15 local elections.

The delegation believed additional steps would enhance public confidence in the fairness and integrity of these and future elections. These steps related to:

● improving the local electoral and local self-governance codes;

● promoting women as Mayoral, Gamgebeli and Sakrebulo candidates;

● deterring violence and intimidation;

● avoiding politically-selective prosecutions and interrogations;

● respecting minority rights; and

● reinforcing professionalism of the local civil service.

The NDI mission said last year’s presidential election and 2012 parliamentary elections set "a commendable trajectory of democratic processes” and it would be important now for the upcoming local elections "to exceed those standards.”

Meanwhile on June 15, voters across the country will elect representatives to lead Georgia’s 71 local governments.

This will include 2,088 members of Sakrebulos (local assemblies), Mayors of the country’s 12 largest cities and Gamgebelis (city managers) of the remaining 59 municipalities.

On March 7 the Georgian Parliament adopted amendments to the Election Code to allow Mayors and Gamgebelis to be directly elected. Previously only the Mayor of Tbilisi was directly elected.

The country’s other Mayors and Gamgebelis were appointed by their respective Sakrebulos. These local assemblies will continue to be elected through a mixed system of party lists and majoritarian districts.

"The changes will thus give voters a greater say in determining who governs their communities,” the NDI statement said.

The NDI delegation includes former head of the EU delegation to Georgia Per Eklund and former ranking member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and NDI Board member Sam Gejdenson.

International elections and democratization expert for Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) and Democracy Reporting International (DRI) Robert Adams, NDI regional director for Eurasia Laura Jewett and NDI senior resident country director in Georgia Luis Navarro are also part of the delegation.