ODIHR election observers for October vote will be invited this month - FM candidate

Ilia Darchiashvili, the candidate for the post of the Foreign Minister of Georgia, on Wednesday told lawmakers his office would send invitations for both short- and long-term observers from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to observe the general elections in October this month. 

Addressing Parliamentary committees, the official also said election precincts abroad for the vote would be opened “in accordance with the law and existing procedures”, dismissing claims from opposition over the Government's alleged plans to “hamper” the participation of citizens abroad in the vote as “political speculation”. 

Addressing the opposition’s demands on allowing remote voting for the communities beyond the country’s borders, Darchiashvili emphasised associated domestic and foreign “risks”.

If remote voting in Georgia involves risks, it follows that the risks will be even greater abroad. Therefore, arguments advocating for remote voting overseas lack logical coherence”, he stressed. 

Speaking about the elections, set for October 26, Darchiashvili said he was confident the process would be “exceptional”, particularly in terms of administration, and stressed his office remained “fully prepared to contribute significantly to this process".

We maintain close coordination with the Central Election Commission and are committed to assisting them as we have done previously to ensure successful conduct of elections", he added. 

The official further noted the recent conference in Tbilisi involving consuls had underscored his office’s “practical cooperation” with the CEC.