European Commission President, foreign officials call on Georgian authorities to investigate irregularities observed in elections

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France,Stephen Doughty, the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France on Monday called on the Georgian authorities to investigate irregularities observed during the country's parliamentary elections on Saturday.

In her social media post, von der Leyen noted Georgian citizens were “fighting for democracy” and had the “right to know what happened this weekend as free and fair elections are at the core of European values”.

Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, on Sunday expressed concern over recent developments in the country, and stated “fundamental freedoms and political pluralism must be protected” so that Georgia could return to the path of integration into the European Union.

In his social media post, Barrot said he expected Georgian authorities would investigate allegations of wrongdoings related to the elections.

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Monday expressed concerns about recent developments in the country following the initial findings of the organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which the release said had reported “pressure, intimidation and threats” against voters and “democratic backsliding”.

The body called on the Georgian authorities to investigate the irregularities observed before and during the vote and to implement the recommendations from the OSCE and Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.

It also emphasised fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and civil society “must be respected and protected for Georgia to confirm its European basis”.

Stephen Doughty, the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, on Sunday affirmed the UK's support for the preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR, as the UK contributed 50 short-term observers to monitor the elections.

The report finds the misuse of administrative resources, a highly polarised campaign environment, as well as widespread intimidation and coercion against voters. Along with the impact on civil society of Georgia’s Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, these are not the actions of an open, democratic society and run contrary to international standards”, the release said.

Doughty called for the Georgian authorities to investigate “all irregularities and reverse this declining commitment to democracy”, and noted the UK would monitor the developments “closely together with our international partners, and stand ready to support”.

A joint statement of 13 ministers of the EU member countries was also published on Monday expressing “deep concerns” over the current developments in Georgia, following elections, with the officials condemning “all violation of international norms for free and fair elections” and demanding an “impartial inquiry of complaints and remedy of the violations established”.

The European Union High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission on Sunday called on the Central Election Commission of Georgia and “relevant authorities” to investigate and address alleged electoral irregularities and allegations of misconduct in Saturday’s general elections.