Georgian PM rules out “manipulation, human errors” in upcoming parliamentary elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday ruled out “not only manipulation but also human errors” in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

Kobakhidze said the elections would be conducted with “such advanced equipment” that there was “no basis for discussing fraud”.

He further added that “hopefully, the parallel vote tabulation will not be falsified”, in reference to the 2020 parliamentary elections when the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy released an erroneous data following the vote.

The PM’s comment followed a statement made by the European Union Ambassador Pawel Herczynski, who on Friday said he hoped the elections would meet the “highest international standards”, as recognised by international observers.

The Government head further claimed the opposition had “lost all credibility”, and said “those who are still placing hope in the collective United National Movement opposition are thinking in the wrong direction”.

[O]ne week remains, and everyone can see that they will be conducted in a free and competitive environment. There is no indication that anything will change within this week. On the election day, electronic equipment will be used for vote counting, and prior to that, voting and voter registration will be done electronically”, he said.    

Manipulation is impossible, and not only manipulation, even human errors will be ruled out due to the technology being used for this election. In such a situation, there is no basis for discussing such issues. It's concerning when this continues to be a topic of conversation despite all these conditions”, Kobakhidze continued.

The Prime Minister claimed that unspecified individuals were “frustrated by the prospect” of the Georgian Dream party securing “60 percent” of the vote in the elections, while the collective United National Movement opposition was “facing defeat”.

He also alleged “some are upset” that the United National Movement “will not return to power”. “For some, this may be frustrating and upsetting, but everyone must accept the choice of Georgian citizens”, the PM noted.

The Government head further claimed the ruling party’s support was at “approximately 60 percent”, which he said was a “result of peace and economic progress”.