Anti-Corruption Bureau Head claims domestic opposition parties failing to disclose funding “in full or in part”

Razhden Kuprashvili, the Head of the Georgian Anti-Corruption Bureau, on Tuesday said a “large number” of domestic opposition political parties were failing to disclose their funding “in full or in part”, as the body published the results of financial monitoring of political parties.

In his remarks over the report, Kuprashvili claimed that election campaigns and activities may be funded by foreign donor organisations or other sources.

As a result of the monitoring carried out by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, it was revealed that political parties, namely European Georgia - Movement for Freedom, Yes to Europe - Strategy Aghmashenebeli, United National Movement, Girchi - More Freedom, Strong Georgia, Lelo, Elene Khoshtaria [and] Ahali do not disclose their funding in full or in part”, he said.

He further alleged election campaigns and activities may be funded by foreign donor organisations or other sources, which in turn paid NGOs affiliated with the opposition parties.

The official stressed support of political parties with foreign money under the alleged scheme was a “threat to a fair election process”.