US Ambassador: calm atmosphere, free elections are most important today
Ambassador Degnan urged citizens to vote while wearing face masks and observing social distance. Photo: US Embassy in Georgia.
Tweet 
Share
US Ambassador Kelly Degnan to Georgia addressed Georgians earlier today on election day, noting “these parliamentary elections are very important for Georgia, and the most important thing is to have a calm atmosphere and free elections for the people.”
There is no room for violence and intimidation and we will be looking for that sort of thing as observers,” she said to media after meeting officials at the Central Election Commision today.
I am here at the Central Election Commission because this group has organized this election today, they are responsible for the administration of the election, extremely important work. https://t.co/GyqzGmFTOW
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) October 31, 2020
She expressed hope that the Georgian people will respect the work done by the Central Election Commission (CEC) for a safe and peaceful electoral process, especially against the backdrop of the coronavirus.
Degnan noted that about 75 representatives of the US embassy are observing the elections.
It’s an exciting day for the Georgian people! The freedom to choose your leaders through fair elections is absolutely fundamental to a true democracy" said Degnan at the meeting with Embassy staff this morning coordinating observation teams traveling throughout Georgia to observe today’s elections.
Photo: US Embassy Tbilisi.
The United States is actively supporting these elections and really wants the elections to go smoothly, she noted.
After meeting with officials at the Central Election Commission, Ambassador Degnan left for Marneuli to observe voting at two polling sites there.
Photo: US Embassy Tbilisi.
It is up to the Georgian people to decide who they want to govern their country. The United States does not have a favorite candidate, or a favorite party. We will work with any party that is legitimately elected by the Georgian people, she noted.
She said that the US is focused on a fair process, not the outcome.
A fair election means one person, one vote – no ballot box stuffing, voting multiple times, or other forms of cheating to win, she said.
Ambassador Degnan urged citizens to vote while wearing face masks and observing social distance.