Fundamental freedoms respected, candidates campaigned freely in Georgian elections, say int’l observers

Fundamental freedoms were generally respected in the October 21 municipal elections in Georgia, and candidates were able to campaign freely.

This was stated in the preliminary assessment of the elections released this afternoon by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (the Congress).

The observers said that efficient administration of the elections and accurate voter registration contributed to the quality of the process.

They stressed that the entire context of the elections was shaped by the dominance of the ruling party, although partisan, increasingly free and active media fostered greater political debate.

• All election data in one click

Election day generally proceeded in an orderly manner, although negative evaluations of counting in some polling stations indicated some irregularities and difficulties in completing results protocols, the observers said.

"We have observed an election process where contestants had the opportunity to campaign freely, and in which fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression were generally respected”, said Corien Jonker, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR long-term election observation mission.

"The predominant position of the ruling party is clear, and this affected different aspects of the elections. This predominance, however, comes with a responsibility to ensure that the opportunities of other contestants are not limited".

The Central Election Commission (CEC) and lower election administration bodies worked in a timely, efficient and professional manner, the observers added.

They said that while the CEC generally enjoyed confidence among stakeholders, some opposition contestants questioned the impartiality of the election administration, especially in relation to the precinct election commission members appointed by the district commissions. The CEC provided training for all levels of the election administration, ran a comprehensive voter information campaign, and took initiatives to facilitate the participation of voters with disabilities, the observers stressed.

• See preliminary results for Tbilisi mayoral race

According to the preliminary assessment, the campaign was largely subdued outside Tbilisi and for the most part calm, although there were a few violent incidents. Along with cases of pressure on voters, cases of the misuse of state resources were also reported.

"From the Congress perspective, misuse of public resources at the local level and the further consolidation of local self-government in Georgia need to be addressed after these elections. We remain willing to assist the authorities in their endeavours”, Stewart Dickson, Spokesperson on Observation of Local and Regional Elections, said on behalf of the Congress electoral assessment team.

While there have been notable improvements in the freedom of media, broadcast media are perceived as politically affiliated, the observers said.

International observers' preliminary statement on 21 October 2017 local #elections in #Georgia >> https://t.co/XOVjt0KfEspic.twitter.com/9CCuDas5he

— OSCE/ODIHR (@osce_odihr) October 22, 2017

In their words, media monitoring showed that most of the media focused on the major election contestants, providing them with the opportunity to convey their messages through debates and talk-shows, in addition to advertisements. Monitoring identified a notable absence of critical and analytical reporting by the national public broadcaster, while the coverage by the most-watched broadcasters, Imedi and Rustavi 2, varied significantly, with each favouring a certain political side.

The observers also said that the recent removal of a two-year residency requirement significantly improved the inclusiveness of the candidate registration process, and legal amendments allowed independent candidates to run for mayor.

"The legal framework is comprehensive and provides an adequate basis for the conduct of elections in line with democratic principles. However, restrictions on voter and candidate rights, as well as gaps and inconsistencies remain", the preliminary assessment said.

It added that the relatively small number of complaints filed before election day were reviewed in an open and deliberative manner at CEC sessions. Restrictions on the right to file complaints, however, are contrary to international commitments and good practice, said the observers.

• The full preliminary statement by the international organisations can be seen here

Georgia conducted municipal elections for 2017 yesterday, where the country elected hundreds of local authorities, including city mayors and members of city councils.