Preliminary reports from IRI, NDI highlight challenges in Georgia's parliamentary elections

Monitoring missions and observers from the International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute on Sunday released preliminary reports on yesterday's parliamentary elections in Georgia, highlighting several violations that they said raised concerns about the electoral process.

John Shimkus, an IRI observer, said the organisation’s monitoring mission was currently awaiting the announcement of the final results of the elections, alongside the resolution of disputes submitted to the Central Election Commission of Georgia, and added a comprehensive report would be issued once these outcomes were finalised.

He said 337 complaints had been lodged with the Commission, emphasising the need for a “fair, transparent, and accurate count of all votes cast to truly reflect the electorate’s democratic choice”.

Overall, everything was done technically properly in the polling stations. The technologies worked as intended, although there were minor issues. However, violations concerning voter privacy, systematic pressure creating an environment of fear, and isolated incidents of voter bribery and violence were noted”, he said.

Despite these challenges, Shimkus indicated the overall situation “remained calm” during the closing of the polling districts, with transmission of preliminary results and adherence to established procedures.

Daniel Twining, the President of the IRI, acknowledged shortcomings in the election process, but stressed the importance of allowing Georgian citizens to “make their decisions based on the available facts”.

Asked about the impact of widespread allegations of abuse on the election outcome, Twining remarked, “It is too early to give a final answer, as the election process is still ongoing”.

With 20 long-term observers present in Georgia since July, the IRI had been monitoring the election campaigning, and noted a “number of disparities” in the electoral environment, he said.

While the election day proceedings were observed, the final results have yet to be released. There will also be a post-election period during which disputes and lawsuits will be addressed in court, making it too early to provide a definitive answer. NDI will have its own conclusions. Personally, I believe the elections were fraught with many shortcomings; however, ultimately, it is up to the people of Georgia to decide based on the available facts”, Twining said.

Margareta Cederfelt, a representative of the IRI monitoring mission, said there was evidence of “constant intimidation and pressure on civil servants”.

Tamara Cofman Wittes, the President of the NDI, on Sunday announced a preliminary application containing 26 recommendations aimed at promoting pluralism and fostering an inclusive environment.

Among her recommendations, she emphasised the “urgent need” for the Parliament of Georgia to withdraw the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

Details of the 26 recommendations will be provided in writing later, but I would like to highlight a few now. First, Parliament should immediately repeal the Law to eliminate its harmful impact on civil society organisations and the media. This will also help create a legal environment that protects the rights to assembly, expression, and participation in civil and political life - essential components of democratic processes that align with international standards”, she said.

Wittes noted political and governmental actors “must not ignore or condone any violence” against individuals expressing political opinions, including those dissatisfied with election results, while political parties and candidates “must clearly express their commitment to adhering to the law”.