Georgia’s Justice Minister highlights “distinct roles” of political parties, NGOs in electoral process

Georgia’s Justice Minister Rati Bregadze on Wednesday highlighted “distinct roles” of political parties and non-governmental organisations in the electoral process ahead of the upcoming October 26 general elections, and stressed maintaining the separation was “vital” and “must be upheld by all political participants”. 

Bregadze’s comments followed the establishment of a new electoral monitoring mission by around 30 domestic NGOs last week. The platform, titled My Vote for the European Union, has been described as “enabl[ing] citizens to become election observers in the forthcoming vote”. 

The mission has faced criticism from Georgian Dream ruling party officials, who accused the participating NGOs of showing “bias” in favour of the “radical opposition”.

The Minister reiterated the NGOs had the right to observe elections and promote voter participation, but “in a neutral manner”.

He added organisations engaging in political activities could instead form a political union under the Georgian law.