Georgian PM: Gov’t open for observation at upcoming parliamentary elections in country

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the Government was “open” for observation for the October parliamentary elections in the country by saying “the more observers, the better”.

Kobakhidze expressed his hope that objective observation would be ensured at the elections.

One of the first decisions I made after taking this post was related to transparency. From the very first day, from February 8, all decisions of the Government are public, are being published and any citizen, any person can learn more about any decision of the Government of Georgia on the Government’s official website”, he said.

In general, our country is distinguished by a high degree of transparency, we are in first place in the world with the budget transparency index and we have similar data in all other directions. The only non-transparent area in our country remains the activities of non-governmental organisations, and it is very important for the protection of state interests that this area is regulated and the appropriate standard of transparency is ensured”, he added.

Kobakhidze said invitations had already been sent to all relevant international assemblies which were the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the main mission that is set to arrive in Georgia, adding an invitation had also been sent to the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO and the Council of Europe, an observation mission would be represented from all these institutions.

As for observer impartiality, this is the minimum standard. You remember, in this regard, when we had questions regarding specific organisations, our concerns were justified. There were questions about the so-called fair elections at the time, even before 2020, and it was this organisation that falsified the results of the parallel counting. That is, where we had objective reasons for the existence of questions, our doubts were unfortunately justified everywhere. Here's hoping that objective observation will be provided”, he said.

The PM said the main observer of the elections was the public and Georgian society would observe the elections, which would be held under unprecedented legislation, noting for the first time in the country’s election history, the rule of electronic voting and registration system would be introduced and  all errors in the election process would be insured “as much as possible”.

He said the ruling Georgian Dream party’s election programme would be built on future plans from beginning to the end.

The official added “significant attention” would be paid to infrastructure development, with the works continuing in this regard, further development of highway networks, ports, airports and many more, adding “ambitious plans will be presented in all directions”.