European Council President calls on Georgian authorities to “swiftly, transparently, independently” investigate electoral irregularity claims

Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, on Sunday called on the Georgian Central Election Commission and other relevant authorities to “swiftly, transparently and independently” investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations around Saturday’s parliamentary elections.

In his social media message, Michel stressed the alleged irregularities must be “seriously clarified and addressed”.

“Following the parliamentary elections in Georgia, I intend to put Georgia on the agenda of the informal EU Council in Budapest. We note the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary assessment and call on the Central Election Commission and other relevant authorities to fulfill their duty to swiftly, transparently and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations thereof”, he said.

The official further reiterated the call to the Georgian leadership to demonstrate its “firm commitment” to the country’s EU path.

“Constructive and inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum is now paramount. The November EU Council will assess the situation and set the next steps in our relations with Georgia”, Michel concluded.

Earlier today, the mission commended what it called the “largely peaceful” vote and its “adequate legal framework” for holding “democratic elections”.

In a joint briefing in Tbilisi, the observers stressed the election administration had organised the vote “efficiently”, but added the public perception of its impartiality was “harmed by concerns about recent changes over its nomination and decision-making processes”.