Georgian PM, NDI president meet, discuss importance of ‘coordinated cooperation’ in election year

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has met with NDI President Derek Mitchell in Tbilisi earlier today to discuss the importance of coordinated cooperation in the election year, the government of Georgia press office reports.

The press office said that Gakharia praised the US-Georgia strategic partnership at the meeting, spoke about the importance of strong self governments and parliament and the role of NDI in this regard.

It was stated that it is important for concrete aspects of [NDI’s] activities not to be politicized as this may harm the goals of NDI supported projects,” the Georgian government press office said. 

Derek Mitchell became the third president of NDI in 2018. Photo: government of Georgia press office. 

• US says NDI, IRI help strengthen Georgian democracy

Gakharia vowed that the 2020 parliamentary elections will be held ‘in full line with international standards.’ 

Mitchell has also met with ruling Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili 'to discuss current political and electoral environment.'  

Earlier this year the ruling Georgian Dream party said that it would have ‘deep discussions’ with NDI officials as ‘there are questions regarding their polls which remain unanswered.’

The US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has also met with Mitchell today 'to discuss Georgia's current political and pre-electoral environment.​​​​​.'

The statement came after January 16 polls released by NDI which show ‘declined trust in the current Georgian government and state institutions.’

Ruling party MP Mamuka Mdinaradze named CRRC Georgia, which technically carries out NDIs polls in Georgia, as a possible reason as to why the 'polls are biased.’