OSCE observers: Georgia’s campaign environment improved since 2012

Campaigning ahead of this year’s Parliamentary Elections in Georgia is more free and open than the previous Parliamentary Elections, says OSCE.

Leading members of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Parliamentary Assembly election observation mission for the October 8 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia today concluded a three-day visit to the country.

The group issued a statement noting the active participation of many parties in the pre-election campaign.

I’m pleased to see that Georgian politics are as active as ever, with a range of parties putting forward their platforms and competing for voters,” Special Coordinator of the short-term OSCE mission Sanchez Amor said.

Almost all those we met with remarked that campaigning was more free and open than the previous Parliamentary Elections. I hope that this will continue and our assessment of the elections will take close note of any developments,” he added.

OSCE parliamentarians will observe the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Georgia and provide leadership for the OSCE’s short-term observer mission.

Meanwhile Guglielmo Picchi will serve as head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, which will include almost 40 observers from 17 OSCE participating States.

The delegation noted the active competition between parties, including political parties that have long been in politics, as well as new entrants to the political scene.

While most interlocutors noted a polarised campaign environment, it was reported to be less tense than the previous parliamentary elections.

Everyone we met welcomed the strong atmospheric change since the 2012 elections and I hope that this opportunity for debate on the future of Georgia will be fully seized,” Picchi said.

This country has many challenges remaining, and politicians must avoid increasing tensions, and instead present real forward-looking options to the voters.”

The observers also welcomed the general confidence in the work of the Central Election Commission, and stressed that observers would be closely monitoring the performance of precinct and district election commissions particularly on election day.

The delegation met with the President of Georgia, members of the Central Election Commission, and with representatives from major political parties, observers from the OSCE/ODIHR, civil society representatives, as well as members of the diplomatic community in Tbilisi.