EU spokesperson: it is important to ensure fair, transparent electoral process during second round
The statement reads that during the second round as well it is important to ensure the highest democratic standards, fair, transparent electoral process. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Tweet 
Share
The spokesperson of the EU External Action Service has released a statement on the first round of the 2020 parliamentary elections held in Georgia on October 31 'under a revised electoral system and with high voter turnout, despite the challenging context of the Covid-19 pandemic'.
- Why are the October 31 parliament elections so special? All you need to know about the race
- Elections 2020 results in real time on interactive map of Georgia
According to the joint statement of preliminary findings and conclusions of the international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE, Council of Europe and NATO, the elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected", reads the statement.
Spokesperson Nabila Massrali poster on her Twitter account:
Georgia elections ????????: Highest democratic standards must be upheld throughout entire electoral process incl. all complaints/appeals.
— Nabila Massrali (@NabilaEUspox) November 1, 2020
Important that all parties continue to adhere to democratic principles/standards & respect for human rights.
???????? statement: https://t.co/XSm3PGrNZb https://t.co/huqj5jAmEe
The statement says that observers noted that the conduct of the elections was impacted by pervasive allegations of pressure on voters and blurring of the line between the ruling party and the state throughout the campaign and on election day, reducing public confidence in some aspects of the process.
The statement reads that during the second round as well it is important to ensure the highest democratic standards, fair, transparent electoral process.
It is important that all parties continue to adhere to democratic principles and standards and respect for human rights. Ensuring conditions for a free and pluralistic media environment is extremely important including to allow voters to make a fully informed choice. The European Union will remain very attentive to developments during the remainder of the electoral period and in particular on the day of the second round", the statement notes.
The second round of parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on November 21.
For more information about the parliamentary elections of Georgia click here.