Election Commission Chair welcomes local observer organisations signing code of conduct

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the Chair of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, on Wednesday welcomed local observer organisations signing the body's code of conduct ahead of the October 26 parliamentary elections and highlighted the importance of the development.

Kalandarishvili noted that “given the obligation of representatives from the election administration and local observer organisations to uphold professional and ethical norms”, the agreement between the parties on the provisions outlined in the code was “crucial”.

The Commission Chair stressed the document was based on “good international practices” and helped “ensure that the elections are held fairly and transparently”, adding that “by signing the code of conduct, the parties express their firm will to be guided by the principles of impartiality and the primacy of public interest, [...] to ensure the demonstration and observance of high ethical standards through their behaviour”.

The opportunity to sign the code has been presented to representatives of local observer organisations registered with the CEC to monitor the October elections. However, the document can be signed by any interested party, provided they complete “relevant registration procedures”, the statement added.