NDI: 'allegations of irregularities, intimidations and abuses detract from legal, administrative improvements for Georgia’s parliamentary elections’
The election analysis report is based on virtual interviews with key stakeholders conducted October 22-31. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has released an analysis report on Georgia’s parliamentary elections, which reads that alleged irregularities in results summaries, widespread reports of potentially intimidating behaviour in or around polling stations, delays in the publication of results, and persistent perceptions of pre-election abuses of power detracted from notable improvements in the legal framework and administrative procedures for Georgia’s parliamentary elections.
.@AmbDMitchell on adjudication for 1st round & prep for 2nd round of Georgia's parliamentary #elections: What is needed is the political will to place integrity of the process over partisan interests. See @NDI's report https://t.co/plWe1aNjGL @USAIDGeorgia @NEDemocracy #Gvote2020
— NDI Eurasia (@ndieurasia) November 2, 2020
Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey and administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the US, who served as a member of the NDI analysis team said that the Georgian citizens are to be congratulated for turning out to vote, despite the challenges of a global pandemic.
As the results of the first round are finalized and the country heads to run-off elections on November 21, government leaders and election authorities will need to take extraordinary steps to address the concerns that have been raised and ensure public confidence in the overall process and final results”, said Whitman.
Opposition party members and Georgian citizens protesting the results of October 31 parliament ary elections in front of the parliament building on November 1. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
In its report NDI says that the election was open and pluralistic, however, multiple incidents and intimidation were reported. Allegations of abuses of state resources were widespread. It is also significant numbers of reports of voter bribery, parties had uneven access to television due to media polarizations, and campaign messaging focused more on criticising opponents that presenting constructive policy solutions.
Georgia has taken significant steps towards promoting greater inclusion and diversity in politics, most notably a new gender quota. Despite this progress, women, ethnic and religious minorities, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTI+ community remain underrepresented in the new parliament”, NDI reports.
The NDI recommends that authorities should make extra efforts to swiftly and properly adjudicate submitted complaints and conduct recounts or reruns, where appropriate. They should also investigate allegations of violence or intimidation, as appropriate, prosecute them to full extent of the law and take all measures necessary to prevent such practices in the future.
Another recommendation of NDI is to safeguard voters’ access to balanced and reliable information. 'Political parties and candidates should participate in a spectrum of debates and political programmes to present their policies and plans to the public'.
NDI also says that all stakeholders should respect and uphold rights of nonpartisan independent observers to continue their oversight work without interference or intimidation.
The election analysis report is based on virtual interviews with key stakeholders conducted October 22-31.