Central Election Commission urges electoral stakeholders to be “objective, impartial” ahead of parliamentary elections

The Central Election Commission of Georgia on Thursday urged electoral stakeholders, including representatives of local and international organisations, to be “objective and impartial” and support the conduct of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26 in a “fair and transparent manner”.

The cited “unverified, baseless and damaging” statements by unspecified sources were being made about the election process despite the administration’s “transparency and efforts to keep stakeholders fully informed” about ongoing electoral processes.

Five months remain until Georgia's parliamentary election. The election modernisation process is at a crucial stage. The election administration is committed to successfully conducting electronic elections in accordance with international standards”, the statement said.

“[G]roundless statements and assessments have been disseminated, including from abroad, regarding elections and the election administration’s work. Even though the election administration acts in full compliance with the principles of independence and impartiality, baseless accusations damaging the institution are spread in this direction as well. It should be underlined that the given statements”, the body noted.

The CEC said the statements “harm the entire electoral process” and “create misconceptions and wrong perceptions” in a “polarised” electoral environment.